Foldable Display Hinge with Adjustable Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable display devices face limitations in flexibility and user convenience due to fixed folding axes and sequences, which restrict their ability to adapt to various folding configurations.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a hinge member with rotating shafts and gearboxes that allow for adjustable radii of curvature based on folding sequence, enabling folding along multiple axes regardless of the sequence, and incorporating a biasing member for controlled motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed folding axes are used in display devices, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flexibility and adaptability to various folding configurations are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member incorporates rotating shafts that can dynamically change their rotational axes based on folding sequence. The first and second rotating shafts can rotate about different axes depending on whether the first or second folding part is folded first, enabling the structure to adapt to multiple folding configurations without requiring multiple fixed hinge structures
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge member is designed to perform multiple functions: it can support folding in either sequence (first folding part then second, or second then first), provide controlled motion through gearboxes, and maintain structural integrity across different folding states. This multi-functionality allows a single hinge structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized hinges
2Ease of operation
If fixed sequence folding is required, then the mechanical structure is simpler, but user convenience and operational flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism dynamically adapts to user-selected folding sequences. When the user chooses to fold the first folding part first, the first rotating shaft rotates about a first axis and the second rotating shaft rotates about a second axis. If the user reverses the sequence, the rotational axes switch accordingly. This dynamic reconfiguration allows ease of operation with multiple sequences without requiring complex pre-programmed control for each scenario
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable radii of curvature are implemented, then folding flexibility is improved, but the precision control of folding motion becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gearboxes in the hinge member provide mechanical feedback that links the rotational movement of the rotating shafts to the folding motion of the display parts. As the rotating shafts change their rotational axes and speeds based on folding sequence, the gearboxes automatically adjust the radii of curvature through their gear ratios, providing precise control without requiring external sensors or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (rotational axes, rotational speeds, gear ratios) based on the folding sequence to achieve different radii of curvature. When folding sequence changes, the parameters of the rotating shafts and gearboxes are automatically adjusted, enabling curvature control adaptability without requiring direct measurement or complex control algorithms
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 solution enables the display device to be folded in multiple configurations without sequence restrictions, enhancing flexibility and user convenience by dynamically adjusting the curvature of folding parts, allowing for efficient compact and expanded positions.
Implementation Method 1
a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft to rotate the second plate; and a third rotating shaft and a fourth rotating shaft to rotate the third plate
Implementation Method 2
the first and second shaft supports supporting at least one of the first and second rotating shafts for limited linear movement
Implementation Method 3
incorporating a biasing member for controlled motion
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge member of a display device includes: first, second, and third plates which are spaced apart from each other; a first rotating shaft and a second rotating shaft to rotate the second plate; a third rotating shaft and a fourth rotating shaft to rotate the third plate; a first shaft support connected to one end of the first rotating shaft and one end of the second rotating shaft; a second shaft support connected to other end of the first rotating shaft and other end of the second rotating shaft; a third shaft support connected to one end of the third rotating shaft and one end of the fourth rotating shaft; a fourth shaft support connected to other end of the third rotating shaft and other end of the fourth rotating shaft. At least one of the first and second rotating shafts and at least one of the third and fourth rotating shafts are linearly movable in response to rotation of one of the second and third plates.