Foldable Display Coupling Assembly With Cam-Supported Hinge Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling assemblies in foldable devices face challenges in providing sufficient structural stability and support, leading to deformation issues during long-term use, especially when transitioning between unfolded and folded states.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly featuring a first connector with a cam and pin shaft, and a second connector with a support plate, connection block, and support projection, allowing the pin shaft to rotate and translate within a pin hole, enabling different connection positions and providing adequate support for both unfolded and folded states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional coupling assemblies are used to connect foldable device parts, then the device can achieve folded and unfolded states, but structural stability deteriorates during long-term use causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The pin shaft is designed to move dynamically within the pin hole rather than being fixed, allowing it to adjust its position between first and second positions. This dynamic adjustment enables the coupling assembly to adapt to different states (folded/unfolded) while maintaining structural stability and preventing deformation during long-term use.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly is divided into separate functional components: the first connector with cam, the pin shaft, the second connector with support plate, and the support projection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, contributing to overall structural stability while enabling the pin shaft to move within the pin hole for position adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pin shaft is fixed in position, then the connection is stable, but the connector cannot adapt to different postures in folded and unfolded states
Solution Approach 1:
The pin shaft transitions from a fixed position to a dynamic position, capable of moving between a first position and a second position within the pin hole. This dynamic capability allows the first connector to adapt to different postures (folded and unfolded states) while the support projection provides stable support at each position, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support projection acts as an intermediary element that provides stable support to the pin shaft at different positions within the pin hole. This intermediary structure enables the pin shaft to move and adapt to different postures while maintaining connection stability through the support provided by the support projection.
3Ease of operation
If the pin hole aperture is equal to the pin shaft diameter, then the connection is tight and stable, but the pin shaft cannot move to adjust connection positions
Solution Approach 1:
The pin hole is designed with non-uniform aperture: it is larger than the pin shaft diameter in the first direction (allowing movement) and smaller than the pin shaft diameter in the second direction (maintaining connection strength). This local quality variation allows the pin shaft to move for position adjustment while maintaining tight and stable connection in the critical direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of position adjustment versus connection strength is resolved by introducing dimensional differentiation. The pin hole aperture varies in different directions (first direction vs. second direction), allowing movement freedom in one dimension while maintaining connection strength in another dimension. This dimensional approach enables both position adjustment and strong connection simultaneously.
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
This design enhances structural stability and user experience by allowing for flat unfolding and sufficient support during folding, reducing deformation and extending the lifespan of foldable devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first connector (11) including a first cam (111) and a first pin shaft (112) at an end of the first connector
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly includes at least one support part. The support part includes: a first connector including a first cam and a first pin shaft, the first pin shaft being arranged on a side of the first cam; and a second connector including a support plate, a connection block and a support projection, the support projection having a support surface. The connection block has a pin hole with an aperture larger than an outer diameter of the first pin shaft in a predetermined plane parallel to the support plate; the first pin shaft is mounted in the pin hole; the first connector assumes a posture paralleling the predetermined plane, and the first cam is in contact with a first position of the support surface; the first connector assumes a posture intersecting the predetermined plane, and the first cam is in contact with a second position of the support surface.