Foldable Display Hinge Structure for Thin Durable Angle Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable display devices face challenges in achieving a small thickness while maintaining durability and holding force, especially when subjected to continuous folding and unfolding operations.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device with a new hinge structure that incorporates two bevel gears and a link slider structure for synchronous movement, along with a cam structure including compression springs to maintain a specific folding angle and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If four general gears are used to implement a folding hinge, then the folding function is achieved, but the thickness increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gear functions into a single bevel gear structure. The bevel gear integrates the folding hinge function with the escape structure function, eliminating the need for separate four-axis gears. This merging reduces the overall thickness while maintaining durability through the robust bevel gear design that engages with the gear arm at optimized angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar gear arrangement to a three-dimensional bevel gear configuration. The bevel gear's conical shape allows engagement in multiple directions, enabling the hinge to achieve folding motion while the escape structure provides vertical displacement. This dimensional change reduces thickness by utilizing spatial efficiency of the bevel gear geometry.
2Length of stationary object
If gear size is reduced to achieve small thickness, then thickness is minimized, but durability decreases and defect rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the gear system by using bevel gears with optimized tooth angles and engagement configurations. The bevel gear's conical geometry allows for larger effective tooth engagement area despite reduced overall size, maintaining strength and durability. The gear arm's angled engagement with the bevel gear creates favorable stress distribution that prevents defects.
3Ease of operation
If friction-based holding force is used to maintain folding angle, then holding function is achieved, but holding force decreases with continuous use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based holding mechanism with a mechanical interlocking system. The cam structure with compression springs engages with detents or notches on the gear arm to provide positive holding at specific folding angles. This mechanical engagement maintains consistent holding force regardless of continuous use, eliminating the degradation associated with friction-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression springs are pre-loaded to provide holding force before the folding operation begins. The cam structure is designed with predetermined engagement points that automatically engage at specific folding angles, providing holding action in advance rather than relying on friction that degrades over time.
4Ease of operation
If escape structure is added to support display panel curvature, then folding support is improved, but impact resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the escape structure with the bevel gear and hinge assembly into a single integrated component. The escape structure is not a separate element but is formed as part of the bevel gear housing, eliminating gaps and weak points that would reduce impact resistance. The unified structure maintains both folding support and impact resistance through optimized geometry.
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 allows for a minimized thickness of the foldable display device while ensuring enhanced durability and holding force, even when the device is heavy or subjected to continuous use.
Implementation Method 1
a cam structure including compression springs to maintain a specific folding angle
Implementation Method 2
a new hinge structure of a foldable display device that includes two bevel gears and a link slider structure for synchronous movement between axes of the two bevel gears during biaxial rotation
Implementation Method 3
holding force using friction between components constituting a hinge to maintain a specific folding angle
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display device can include a first support plate and a second support plate, a display panel disposed on the first support plate and the second support plate, and a hinge assembly disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate. The hinge assembly can include a first hinge arm and a second hinge arm rotatably connected to each other, a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear respectively coupled to the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm, and a first gear arm and a second gear arm fastened to interlock with the first hinge arm and the second hinge arm. The display panel can be folded or unfolded about a rotation axis different from central axes of the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear.