Foldable Display Hinge Structure for Full Closure and Slim Bezels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable display devices face issues with durability under external loads and increased bezel size due to incomplete folding and space constraints, which affect the structural integrity and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a folding hinge unit comprising panel support plates, hinge links, and hinge brackets that allow for eccentric rotation and sliding movements, ensuring complete closure and sufficient space for panel bending, thereby enhancing durability and reducing bezel size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hinge mechanisms are used, then the display device can be folded, but the folding section does not completely close resulting in poor durability to external load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability to external loadVSAvoidfolding closure completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism employs dynamic elements including a rotating plate that moves between folded and unfolded states, with a locking member that dynamically engages with a locking groove to secure the folded position. This dynamic structure ensures complete closure while maintaining durability through the locking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism changes geometric parameters during operation, specifically the rotation angle of the rotating plate and the position of the locking member along the locking groove. These parameter changes enable the transition between states and ensure complete closure for durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If conventional hinge mechanisms are used, then the display device can be folded, but the bezel size increases to secure inner space for panel bending

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebezel sizeVSAvoidpanel bending space
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism uses a nested structure where the locking member is integrated into the rotating plate, and the locking groove is formed within the housing structure. This nesting allows complete closure without requiring additional external space, reducing bezel size while maintaining panel bending capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism utilizes the thickness dimension of the housing to accommodate the locking groove and locking member, rather than requiring additional lateral space. This dimensional approach reduces the bezel area while providing sufficient space for panel bending through the eccentric rotation mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If panel support plates are spaced apart to enable panel position change, then folding is enabled, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel position changeVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locking member acts as an intermediary between the rotating plate and the housing, providing structural stability when the panel support plates are spaced apart for folding. The locking groove receives the locking member to secure the folded position, maintaining stability while enabling position change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism performs preliminary locking action through the locking member engaging with the locking groove before the folding operation is complete. This preliminary stabilization ensures structural integrity during the folding process and maintains stability in the folded state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3654319B1Display device
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3654319B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3654319B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3654319B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is a display device (101) including first and second frames (200, 300) arranged adjacent to each other, a panel (100) arranged on inner surfaces of the first and second frames (200, 300), and a folding hinge unit (400) configured to enable the first and second frames (200, 300) to be folded, and connected to the first and second frames (200, 300). The folding hinge unit (400) includes a pair of panel support plates (410) configured to support the panel so that a position of the panel is changed, and spaced apart from each other, first and second hinge links (440, 450) arranged under the panel support plates (410) and coupled to each other to be movable about a central axis of folding, and a pair of hinge brackets (420, 430) configured to support the panel support plates (410) and the first and second hinge links (440, 450) to be movable, and respectively connected to the first frame (200) and the second frame (300).