Foldable Display Hinge Using Magnetic Holding Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable display devices face limitations in maintaining a consistent holding force due to wear and tear from repeated folding and unfolding, leading to decreased durability and increased manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display device design incorporating a hinge with a holding member using a permanent magnet to maintain a specific folding angle, utilizing magnetic forces to provide a permanent holding force and simplify the hinge structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If friction-based holding mechanisms are used in the hinge, then initial holding force is provided, but the holding force decreases due to wear from repeated folding and unfolding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding force consistencyVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical holding mechanism with a magnetic field-based holding mechanism. Permanent magnets are positioned in the hinge to generate magnetic attraction forces that maintain the folding angle without mechanical contact wear, thereby providing consistent holding force throughout the device's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If complex friction-based mechanisms are used to maintain folding angle, then holding force is provided, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the hinge structure by replacing complex friction-based mechanical mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system using permanent magnets. This substitution reduces the number of moving parts, simplifies assembly, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable holding force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If friction-based holding members are used, then initial structure is simple, but durability decreases due to component wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge structureVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent maintains structural simplicity while improving durability by substituting friction-based mechanical holding members with magnetic field-based permanent magnets. The magnetic system eliminates wear from repeated folding and unfolding operations, significantly enhancing durability without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic holding force ensures durability and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for complex friction-based mechanisms, maintaining the folding angle consistently without degradation.

Implementation Method 1

the hinge includes a fixing frame, a pair of hinge shafts which passes through the fixing frame; a pair of rotating plates which is fixed to one end of the pair of hinge shafts and fixed to the first cover and the second cover to rotate together with the first cover and the second cover; and a pair of first holding members which is coupled to the pair of hinge shafts between the fixing frame and the pair of rotating plates and controls a folding angle of the first cover and the second cover by a magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4224284A1Foldable display device
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4224284A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4224284A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4224284A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a foldable display device. A foldable display device includes a display panel on a first cover and a second cover and at least one hinge that connects the first cover and the second cover and the hinge includes a fixing frame, a pair of hinge shafts that passes through the fixing frame, a pair of rotating plates that is fixed to one end of the pair of hinge shafts and fixed to the first cover and the second cover to rotate together with the first cover and the second cover, and a pair of first holding members that is coupled to the pair of hinge shafts between the fixing frame and the pair of rotating plates and controls a folding angle of the first cover and the second cover by a magnetic force, thereby permanently implementing a holding force.