Foldable Display Hinge Locking Structure for Balanced Screen Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable screens face issues with asymmetry during unfolding and folding, leading to uneven pressure, potential breakage of the folding mechanism, and reduced lifespan due to uneven weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a hinge mechanism featuring symmetric locking components, including drive shafts, drive gears, and locking components that allow for even pressure distribution and stable folding/unfolding, enhanced by mechanisms like special-shape gears, frictional discs, or screw-thread systems to maintain any relative angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-folding foldable screen is used to provide both in-folding and out-folding functionality, then the screen protection and display flexibility are improved, but the folding mechanism becomes more complex and prone to breakage due to asymmetry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry principle by introducing a counterbalance mechanism that deliberately creates asymmetric weight distribution to compensate for the inherent asymmetry in dual-folding screen structure. The counterbalance assembly includes weights positioned to offset the uneven mass distribution, ensuring symmetric force application during folding operations while maintaining the versatile dual-folding functionality
2Device complexity
If the screen is folded with asymmetric supporting points, then the folding mechanism structure is simplified, but uneven pressure is applied to the screen causing potential breakage and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs counterweight principle by adding a counterbalance mechanism with weights that compensate for the asymmetric force distribution in the folding mechanism. This ensures that during folding and unfolding operations, the pressure is evenly distributed across the screen and supporting points, preventing screen breakage and extending lifespan while maintaining structural simplicity
3Device complexity
If asymmetric weight distribution occurs during folding, then the folding mechanism can be simpler, but the user experience of holding the device deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The counterbalance mechanism with adjustable weights compensates for asymmetric weight distribution during folding, maintaining balanced center of gravity. This ensures the device remains comfortable to hold and operate throughout the folding process without requiring complex mechanical structures
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 solution improves stability and extends the lifespan of the hinge mechanism by ensuring even pressure and damping during folding/unfolding, enhancing the structural integrity and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a spring sleeved on the fixed shaft... the spring pushes the locking component along the fixed shaft
Implementation Method 2
a first frictional disc and a second frictional disc... with damping between the first frictional disc and the second frictional disc
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device that relates to the technical field of display screens is provided. The electronic device includes a first display screen, a second display screen, and a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism includes a support piece and two rotating components disposed in parallel along an axis. Each of the rotating components includes a drive shaft, a drive gear, and two locking components. The drive gear is fixedly disposed on a central area of the drive shaft. The first display screen is fixedly connected to the drive shaft of one of the rotating components, and the second display screen is fixedly connected to the drive shaft of the other rotating component. Each of two ends of the drive shaft is connected to the support piece by using one of the locking components.