Flexible Hinge Structure for OLED Display Fold Radius Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible information handling systems face challenges in managing the movement of housing portions with a flexible display, as sharp bends can damage the OLED film, and the folding mechanism often results in poor electrical and optical performance, along with an awkward physical appearance and increased weight due to robust structural materials required for stress management.
Innovation Solution
A system with rotationally coupled housing portions and a display frame structure that manages the fold radius of the OLED display film, using roller assemblies and biasing devices to minimize force on the film during rotation, and adaptive hinge structures that change orientation to maintain optimal display curvature and support wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust structural materials are used to manage stress during folding, then the reliability of the OLED film is improved, but the weight of the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible support structures and thin film materials to provide necessary stress management during folding operations. The flexible support can be a flexible circuit board or other flexible substrate that bends with the OLED film, providing structural reinforcement without the weight penalty of rigid materials. This allows the housing to maintain reliability while keeping weight low.
2Volume of moving object
If the housing portions are rotated to a closed position, then the volume of the information handling system is reduced, but the OLED film may be damaged due to sharp bends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by providing a flexible support structure that is pre-configured to maintain the proper curvature radius of the OLED film during folding. The flexible support is attached to the OLED film beforehand, ensuring that as the housing portions rotate to a closed position, the film is guided through a controlled bending path that prevents sharp bends and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible support structure acts as a flexible shell that conforms to the bending geometry required during folding. This flexible support maintains the minimum bend radius of the OLED film while allowing the housing to achieve a compact closed position, thus resolving the contradiction between volume reduction and film integrity.
3Area of stationary object
If a flexible display is used to reduce housing footprint, then the area of the information handling system is reduced, but the display may exhibit poor electrical and optical performance when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible support structure serves as a specialized flexible shell that provides electrical and optical support to the OLED film during folding. This support structure maintains the proper spacing and alignment of electrical contacts and optical elements, preventing performance degradation while enabling the display to be folded into a compact configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system having rotationally coupled housing portions supports a flexible display disposed across the housing portions with a hinge structure that manages flexible display curve radius in a folded configuration. The hinge includes plural hinge elements having an arc face, arc cavity interior and mounts that couple with hinge coupling elements. The mounts align the hinge coupling element rotational axis out of the cavity to aid in maintaining the hinge elements having no gaps during rotation of the information handling system housing portions. The hinge coupling element integrates friction plates disposed normal the rotation axis to generate torque for managing housing rotational movement.