Foldable Display Hinge Unit for Bidirectional Curvature
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable display devices face challenges in achieving bidirectional folding with a simple structure and varying radii of curvature, which complicates the hinge unit design and manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device with a hinge unit comprising multiple rotary shafts and coupling links, where the number and configuration of these components allow for adjustable curvature and bidirectional folding, simplifying the structure and processing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex hinge unit structure is used to achieve bidirectional folding with adjustable radii of curvature, then the folding functionality is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge unit is divided into multiple independent rotary shafts (first, second, third rotary shafts) that can rotate independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each shaft to contribute to different aspects of the folding motion, enabling bidirectional folding with adjustable radii of curvature while keeping each individual component relatively simple in structure
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge unit employs a dynamic configuration where the rotary shafts can rotate at different angles and positions during folding operations. The first rotary shaft rotates relative to the second rotary shaft, and the third rotary shaft rotates relative to the second rotary shaft, creating variable radii of curvature dynamically during the folding process rather than requiring fixed complex mechanisms
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex hinge unit structure is used to achieve bidirectional folding with adjustable radii of curvature, then the folding functionality is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the hinge unit into separate rotary shafts and coupling links, the manufacturing and assembly process can be standardized for each component. Each rotary shaft and coupling link can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, and then assembled together, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a monolithic complex mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The second rotary shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as a support for both the first and third rotary shafts, and it itself rotates relative to the fourth rotary shaft. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed and simplifies the assembly process, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements
3Device complexity
If traditional hinge structures are used, then the structure is simpler, but bidirectional folding with varying radii of curvature cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge unit employs a dynamic configuration where the rotary shafts can rotate at different angles and positions during folding operations. The first rotary shaft rotates relative to the second rotary shaft, and the third rotary shaft rotates relative to the second rotary shaft, creating variable radii of curvature dynamically during the folding process rather than requiring fixed complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge unit extends the folding mechanism into multiple rotational dimensions. Instead of a single hinge axis, the system uses multiple rotary shafts that can rotate in different directions and planes, enabling bidirectional folding (inward and outward) and varying radii of curvature by combining rotations across different dimensional axes
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
Enables bidirectional folding while allowing for customizable radii of curvature, enhancing design flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs by simplifying the hinge unit's components and processing difficulties.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge unit which is disposed in an area corresponding to the folding area below the display panel to in-fold or out-fold the display panel. The hinge unit includes a plurality of rotary shafts and a plurality of coupling links disposed between the plurality of rotary shafts
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display device includes a display panel which includes a folding area and non-folding areas on some sides of the folding area, and a hinge unit which is disposed in an area corresponding to the folding area below the display panel to in-fold or out-fold the display panel. The hinge unit includes a plurality of rotary shafts and a plurality of coupling links disposed between the plurality of rotary shafts. Accordingly, the foldable display device can be bi-directionally (e.g., inwardly or outwardly) folded by the hinge unit with a simple structure. Further, a radius of curvature during the folding can be desirably changed by adjusting a component of the hinge unit, for example, a number of the plurality of rotary shafts and the plurality of coupling links, a cross-sectional length, and the like.