Flexible Screen Hinge Structure for 360° Inward-Outward Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable flexible screen mobile terminals are limited to a 180° folding range and cannot continue to rotate in the reverse direction after being flattened.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure for flip-type flexible screen mobile terminals that allows rotation beyond 180°, featuring a central support frame with left and right support arms, screen support mechanisms, motion control blocks, and rotational linkages, enabling 360° or less motion range through switching connection structures and clutch members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional hinge structure is used for foldable flexible screen mobile terminals, then the device can achieve 180° folding, but it cannot continue to rotate in the reverse direction beyond 180°
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple independent components: a fixed frame, two support arms, two switching connection structures, two screen support mechanisms, two motion control blocks, and two rotational linkages. Each component has a specific function, and their coordinated operation enables the screen to rotate beyond 180° while maintaining structural manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching connection structures dynamically change their fixed connections based on the rotation angle. Within the inward folding motion range (0°-180°), they are fixed to the fixed frame. Within the outward folding motion range (180°-360°), they are fixed to the screen support mechanisms. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the hinge to adapt its structure to different rotation phases, enabling motion beyond 180°.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge allows continuous rotation beyond 180°, then the motion range increases to 360°, but the structural complexity and control mechanisms increase
Solution Approach 1:
Motion control blocks serve as intermediary components between the support arms and screen support mechanisms. They translate the rotational motion into controlled sliding motion, enabling the screen support mechanisms to rotate smoothly within the outward folding motion range while maintaining precise control over the motion trajectory.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational linkages automatically control the sliding of the motion control blocks through their rotational motion. As the support arms rotate, the rotational linkages convert this rotation into sliding motion of the motion control blocks along the support arms, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switching connection structures are used to enable 360° rotation, then the adaptability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching connection structures are designed as separate, modular components that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each switching connection structure includes a fixed frame portion and a movable support arm portion with clutch members, allowing for simplified manufacturing processes and easier quality control compared to a monolithic hinge design.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch members are pre-configured within the switching connection structures during manufacturing, with their engagement and disengagement paths predetermined. This preliminary configuration ensures that during assembly and operation, the switching between different fixed connections occurs automatically at the correct rotation angles without requiring complex real-time adjustments or calibration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables transitions from inward to outward folding and vice versa, providing a 360° or less motion range, allowing the flexible screen to flip from the inner to outer side and vice versa, enhancing the usability and functionality of flip-type flexible screen mobile terminals.
Implementation Method 1
a left rotational linkage and a right rotational linkage, wherein one end of the left rotational linkage and the right rotational linkage is respectively rotatably connected to the left and right sides of the fixed frame, and the other end is respectively rotatably connected to the left motion control block and the right motion control block
Implementation Method 2
Within the inward folding motion range, the left and right switching connection structures are fixed to the fixed frame to form a rigid structure; within the outward folding motion range, the left and right switching connection structures are fixed to the left and right screen support mechanisms
Implementation Method 3
a cam structure configured between the left screen support mechanism and the fixed frame is used to control the clutch member on the left side, and a cam structure configured between the right screen support mechanism and the fixed frame is used to control the clutch member on the right side
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge of flexible screen mobile terminal includes a central support frame, left and right support arms, and left and right screen support mechanisms. The central support frame includes a fixed frame and left and right switching connection structures located on either side of the fixed frame, with the left and right support arms rotatably connected to the fixed frame. The left and right screen support mechanisms are respectively rotatably connected to the left and right switching connection structures, and the hinge switches control structures for the left and right switching connection structures. The hinge structure allows transitions from inward folding to unfolding, flattening, and continuing rotation to outward folding, as well as from outward folding to unfolding, flattening, and continuing rotation to inward folding. The overall motion range can be 360° or an angle less than 360° (e.g., 300°), meeting the motion requirements of flip-type flexible screen mobile terminals.