Foldable Display Hinge with Dynamic Support for Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable devices with flexible displays face challenges in maintaining a large screen size while folding, as sharp bending can damage the display, and existing solutions struggle to reduce screen distortion when unfolding at obtuse angles.
Innovation Solution
A foldable device design featuring a hinge shaft system with support portions and a restriction unit that allows the flexible display to be supported flat when unfolded and bent into a curved shape when folded, using a path difference compensating unit to manage the display's movement and prevent distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flexible display device is sharply bent to enable folding, then the device can be compact and portable, but the flexible display device may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display device is divided into multiple parts (first part, second part, and third part) that can be independently positioned and supported. The third part is specifically designed to be bent and received in a receiving space, while the first and second parts remain relatively flat, allowing the display to fold without sharp bends that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A support portion is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible display device and the hinge shaft. This support portion provides a transition zone that allows the display to bend smoothly into the receiving space without sharp angles, protecting the display from damage while enabling compact folding.
2Area of moving object
If the flexible display device is arranged over two bodies to cross over the foldable structure, then a large screen can be provided, but the display device may be damaged when sharply bent
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into three parts that can be distributed across two bodies. The third part is specifically designed to cross over the foldable structure in a controlled manner, forming a curved receiving space that protects the display from sharp bends while maintaining a large overall screen area.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the first support portion is maintained at the support position when the first body is in a position between the unfolding position and the receiving start position, then the display can be supported flat, but the device cannot fold compactly
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is designed to be dynamic rather than static. It can maintain the display in a flat supported position during the unfolding phase, then automatically move to the receiving position when the first body folds beyond the receiving start position, enabling compact folding without compromising display flatness during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction unit automatically controls the support portion's position based on the folding state. When the first body is in a specific position range, the support portion self-adjusts to the appropriate position (support position for flat display, receiving position for compact folding) without manual intervention.
4Volume of moving object
If the third part is bent to form a curved receiving space, then the device can fold compactly, but the screen may show distortion when unfolding at obtuse angles
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the display device have different structural qualities. The third part is designed with specific curvature and flexibility to form the receiving space, while the first and second parts maintain their flatness. This local differentiation allows compact folding without causing distortion across the entire display, even when unfolding at obtuse angles.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable device includes a first body and a second body that support a flexible display device and change between an unfolding position and a folding position at which the flexible display device is received in the first and second bodies to have a droplet shape. A first support portion and a second support portion are respectively provided on the first and second bodies, are maintained at a support position at which the first and second support portions support a third part when the first and second bodies are in a position between the unfolding position and a receiving start position, and move to a receiving position at which the first and second support portions move away from the third part to form a receiving space when the first and second bodies fold beyond the receiving start position.