Foldable Display Hinge Guide Rail Structure for Smoother Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current foldable display devices face issues with the deformation or breakage of the lower end surface of the sliding groove on the rotating bracket due to the compression of the connecting rod on the torsion arm, affecting the smoothness and synchronization of the folding process.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display device with a rotation mechanism that includes a fixed member, rotating members, central components, and torsion members with guide rails and positioning components, where the force of the positioning components acts on the upper end surfaces of the guide rails, enhancing the strength and reducing the risk of deformation or breakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connecting rod on the torsion arm is connected to the sliding groove on the rotating bracket to drive rotation, then the folding function is achieved, but the lower end surface of the sliding groove is deformed or broken due to compression

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionVSAvoidsliding groove strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a new component structure (the improved connection mechanism between the connecting rod and rotating bracket) that acts as an intermediary to transfer the driving force without directly compressing the sliding groove's lower end surface. This mediator structure distributes the compressive load to other parts of the rotating bracket that have higher strength, thereby preventing deformation or breakage of the sliding groove while maintaining the folding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by strengthening specific areas of the rotating bracket (particularly the regions that bear the compressive load) while keeping other areas optimized for their specific functions. This localized reinforcement ensures that the sliding groove is not subjected to excessive stress, preventing its deformation or breakage, while maintaining the overall folding mechanism's functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the connecting rod exerts force on the lower end surface of the sliding groove during folding, then the torsion arm rotates, but the smoothness of folding is affected due to deformation or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding speedVSAvoidfolding smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The improved connection mechanism serves as an intermediary that smooths out the force transmission during folding. By redistributing the compressive loads away from the sliding groove's vulnerable lower end surface, the mediator structure prevents deformation that would cause folding irregularities, thereby maintaining both folding speed and smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates design features that preemptively protect against deformation by strengthening the rotating bracket's structure in advance. This prior cushioning approach ensures that when compressive forces are applied during folding, the structure is already prepared to withstand these forces without deforming, thus maintaining folding smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If the connecting rod exerts force on the lower end surface of the sliding groove, then the torsion arm rotates, but the synchronization of both sides is affected due to deformation or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation functionVSAvoidsynchronization stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The improved connection mechanism acts as a stable intermediary that ensures consistent force transmission to both sides of the folding mechanism. By preventing deformation of the sliding groove through proper load distribution, the mediator structure maintains equal and synchronized rotation of both torsion arms, ensuring stable and coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the structural parameters of the rotating bracket and connection mechanism to optimize force distribution. By changing parameters such as wall thickness, material distribution, and geometric configuration in the rotating bracket, the structure achieves better mechanical properties that maintain synchronization stability during rotation while preventing deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12058276B2Foldable display device
Publication Date: 2024.08.06 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US12058276B2 patent drawing
  • US12058276B2 patent drawing
  • US12058276B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A foldable display device is provided. The foldable display device includes a display panel and a rotation mechanism supporting the display panel. The rotation mechanism includes a fixed member, and a first rotating member and a second rotating member which are rotatably connected with the fixed member. A positioning component on the first rotating member is slidingly connected with a guide rail on a first torsion member, and a positioning component on the second rotating member is slidingly connected with a guide rail on a second torsion member.