External Flexible Screen Hinge Structure for Easier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinges for mobile terminals with external flexible screens face challenges in ease of assembly and service life, particularly in the middle hinge structure, which affects the durability and functionality of the flexible screen support.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a main support with dual shafts, support frames, slidably connected supports, an auxiliary support with a plastic sheet that can be repeatedly bent, and a synchronous control mechanism, along with guide structures and snap-fit connections, to enhance assembly ease and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple supports are used in the middle of the hinge to achieve support and shape change when bending and flattening, then the support capability is improved, but the assembly complexity increases and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple support functions into a single integrated auxiliary support component that combines bending support, shaping, and connection functions. This auxiliary support integrates the roles of multiple separate supports, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the necessary support capability for the flexible screen during hinge bending and flattening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary support is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides bending support, maintains shape during folding, and connects different hinge parts. This universal component performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate supports, thereby simplifying the overall hinge structure and assembly process.
2Strength
If multiple supports are used in the middle of the hinge to achieve support and shape change when bending and flattening, then the support capability is improved, but the service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple support functions into a single auxiliary support component, the patent reduces the number of connection points and potential failure sites. This integration minimizes the accumulation of stress and wear that would occur at multiple separate joints, thereby extending the service life of the hinge while maintaining adequate support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible plastic sheet as part of the auxiliary support structure that can repeatedly bend and return to its original shape without permanent deformation. This flexible component accommodates the repeated folding and unfolding motions of the hinge, reducing mechanical stress on rigid connection points and thereby extending the overall service life of the hinge assembly.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a plastic sheet that can be repeatedly bent is used to connect supports, then the flexibility and service life are improved, but the connection reliability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible plastic sheet as a connection element between hinge supports, leveraging its ability to repeatedly bend and return to its original shape. This flexible sheet maintains connection reliability through its elastic properties, allowing it to accommodate the dynamic movements of the hinge while preserving structural integrity over extended service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary support combines the flexible plastic sheet with rigid support frames and connection elements, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both material types. The rigid components provide structural stability and precise positioning, while the flexible plastic sheet provides movement accommodation and stress distribution, together achieving both flexibility and connection reliability.
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
The design allows for easier assembly and extended service life, enabling flexible screens to be unfolded and folded freely while maintaining a harmonious appearance, supporting large-screen displays in compact form.
Implementation Method 1
a plastic sheet that can be repeatedly bent back and forth; the plastic sheet is located on the upper surface near the ends of the auxiliary support and the main support
Implementation Method 2
the first support plate and the second support plate are respectively provided with a connector, and the plastic sheet is inlaid with the connector on the first support plate and the connector on the second support plate for injection molding
Implementation Method 3
the plastic sheet is fused with the auxiliary support and the main support
Implementation Method 4
the plastic sheet is snap-fitted to the auxiliary support and the main support
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge of a mobile terminal having an external flexible screen includes a main support, a first support plate and a second support plate. Auxiliary supports are arranged between the first support and the main support, and between the second support and the main support. The main support and the auxiliary supports correspond to the bending portion when the hinge is folded. The hinge includes a plastic sheet to be repeatedly bent back and forth. The plastic sheet is located on the upper surface near the end of the auxiliary supports and the main support, and fixedly connected with the auxiliary support and the main support. The two ends of the plastic sheet are respectively connected with the first support and the second support. The structure of the hinge is reasonable, to make the structure in the middle of the hinge easier to assemble and has longer service life.