Foldable Display Hinge Groove Mechanism for Low-Wear Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable display devices face challenges in efficiently guiding folding and unfolding operations while minimizing manufacturing costs and wear due to friction, particularly in the design of hinge devices that support flexible display panels.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device for foldable display devices featuring a rotor mechanism with a groove structure and a follower system that enables smooth rotational and linear movements, utilizing polyoxymethylene (POM) and stainless steel (STS) components to facilitate torque generation and reduce friction, allowing for natural folding and unfolding operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge device is designed to guide folding and unfolding of the display panel, then the folding operation is assisted and supported, but wear due to friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
A follower component is introduced as an intermediary between the rotor and bracket. The follower converts rotational movement into linear movement, reducing direct frictional contact between the rotor and bracket. This mediator component distributes the contact stress and minimizes wear on the rotor while still enabling the folding operation to be assisted and supported by the hinge device.
2Ease of operation
If a groove structure is added to the rotor to enable smooth rotational movement, then rotational smoothness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure in the rotor is designed with a curved cross-section that matches the contour of the follower. This curved groove geometry guides the follower's linear movement while maintaining smooth rotational motion. The curvature of the groove simplifies the interaction between components compared to complex mechanical linkages, achieving smooth rotation with minimal increase in device complexity.
3Productivity
If modularization is implemented in the hinge device for assembly and production management, then assembly efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is divided into distinct modular components: the rotor with integrated groove structure, the follower as a separate linear movement component, and the bracket as a supporting structure. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently, improving assembly efficiency and production management. The modular design actually reduces overall complexity by standardizing interfaces between components.
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 proposed hinge device enhances assembly and production management through modularization, ensures symmetrical screen angles during folding and unfolding, and minimizes wear by using a groove structure and lubrication, resulting in efficient and reliable folding operations.
Implementation Method 1
a groove recessed in an arc shape on the curved surface. The groove of the first rotor may be fitted to the bracket.
Implementation Method 2
A lubricant may be applied between the auxiliary bracket and the torque assist member of the first rotor or the second rotor.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display device includes a display panel including a foldable display area, and a first panel support member supporting the display panel, the first panel support member overlapping a first area of the display panel. The foldable display device includes a second panel support member supporting the display panel, the second panel support member overlapping a second area of the display panel, and a hinge device including base hinge devices coupled to the first panel support member and the second panel support member to guide folding and unfolding of the display panel with respect to virtual rotation axes.