Floating-Plate Hinge Structure for Flat Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
In foldable electronic devices, the screen often fails to lie flat when unfolded, degrading user experience due to inadequate hinge structures.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a base with a rotating component including a floating plate and a rotating assembly, where the rotating assembly is pivotably and slidably coupled to mounting positions on the floating plate, allowing it to adapt to the natural bending shape of the screen, ensuring better fit and flatness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional hinge structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but the screen cannot lie flat when unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure employs a rotating assembly that can rotate relative to the floating plate, transforming the static hinge into a dynamic system. This rotation capability allows the hinge to adapt its position and angle, enabling the screen to lie flat when unfolded while maintaining structural adaptability through movable components rather than fixed rigid connections
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is divided into multiple independent components: a base, a floating plate, and a rotating assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the rotating assembly specifically designed to adjust the screen's position, thereby achieving screen flatness without requiring the entire hinge structure to be overly complex
2Manufacturing precision
If more parts are used to achieve better screen fit, then the screen flatness improves, but the device weight and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating assembly integrates multiple functions into a single component structure that combines rotation capability with screen support functionality. By merging the rotation mechanism and support function into one integrated assembly rather than using separate components, the design achieves better screen fit while minimizing the number of parts, thereby reducing overall device weight
Solution Approach 2:
The floating plate serves as a thin, flexible support structure that can adapt to the screen's shape and position. This thin-plate design provides necessary structural support for screen flatness without adding significant weight, as the floating plate itself is a lightweight component that relies on its geometric configuration rather than heavy materials
3Manufacturing precision
If a rotating assembly with sliding capability is used, then the screen flatness is improved, but the hinge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating assembly incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows it to move relative to the floating plate, creating a dynamic adjustment capability. This sliding motion enables fine-tuning of the screen's position and angle, achieving superior flatness. The dynamic nature of this mechanism allows a single assembly to perform multiple adjustment functions without requiring multiple separate components, thereby managing complexity through functional integration
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 hinge design achieves higher flatness and a better fit with the screen, supporting it effectively in both folded and unfolded states, while also reducing production costs and parts, resulting in a lightweight and thin device with improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A first end of the rotating assembly is pivotably coupled to the base, and a second end of the rotating assembly is pivotably coupled to a first mounting position and a second mounting position on the floating plate
Implementation Method 2
The rotating assembly is slidable relative to the second mounting position along the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes a base and a rotating component. The base extends along a first direction, and the rotating component includes a floating plate and a rotating assembly. A first mounting position and a second mounting position are on the floating plate and spaced apart along a second direction. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. A first end of the rotating assembly is pivotably coupled to the base, a second end of the rotating assembly is pivotably coupled to the first mounting position and the second mounting position. The rotating assembly is slidable relative to the second mounting position along the second direction.