Foldable Display Hinge With Dynamic Length and Bridge Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable devices with flexible displays face challenges in managing stress on the display during rotation, leading to uneven tactile experiences across the device.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly that adjusts the effective length of the device underlying the flexible display during rotation, combined with a deployable bridge support controlled by a cam, to maintain uniform tactile feedback across the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the device uses a fixed length structure during rotation, then the structure is simple, but stress on the flexible display increases and tactile experience becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates a dynamic length adjustment mechanism that automatically modifies the effective length of the device during rotation. A cord connected to a spool system varies the distance between the first portion and hinge assembly based on rotation angle, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that adapts to different orientations, thereby reducing stress on the flexible display while maintaining uniform tactile feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes the physical parameter of effective length during operation. The cord pathway length varies with rotation angle, causing the cord to draw the first portion toward the hinge assembly at certain angles and allow it to be biased away at others. This parameter change compensates for the flexible display's inability to stretch, maintaining consistent tactile properties across all orientations.
2Reliability
If the device uses a dynamic length adjustment mechanism, then stress on the flexible display is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary elements between the first portion and hinge assembly to achieve dynamic length adjustment. A cord acts as a flexible connector, while a spool mechanism serves as an intermediary device that controls cord payout and retrieval. These intermediaries enable smooth length variation without requiring complex active actuators, balancing functionality with structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The length adjustment mechanism operates autonomously based on the device's rotation angle. As the user rotates the device, the cord pathway length changes automatically, causing the cord to pay out or retract without requiring external power or control systems. The biasing element provides automatic restoration force, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for motors or sensors.
3Ease of operation
If the cord pathway length changes during rotation, then uniform tactile feedback is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the hinge assembly structure. The hinge assembly simultaneously provides rotational support, houses the spool mechanism, guides the cord pathway, and integrates the biasing element. This merging of functions into a single integrated component achieves uniform tactile feedback without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The description relates to hinged devices. One example relates to a device that has hinged first and second portions and a flexible display positioned over the first and second portions. The example can include a cord that determines a length of the hinged first and second portions relative to the flexible display depending on an orientation of the first and second portions. The example can also include a cam that controls a position of a support under the flexible display depending on the orientation.