Foldable Display Hinge Mechanism for Stable Inward Folding
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable screen technology faces issues with fragility and exposure to damage due to existing folding mechanisms, which are complex and unstable, preventing large-scale market adoption of foldable screen mobile phones.
Innovation Solution
A connection mechanism featuring three fixing seats, two rotary seats, and two transmission gears with a teeth structure that allows for a simple and stable folding mechanism, enabling the foldable screen to be bent without damage by aligning the folding trajectory with an arc-shaped groove, and an equalization control mechanism with a pair of rotary seats and transmission assembly for synchronized rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an outward folding manner is adopted, then the folding mechanism structure is simplified, but the screen is exposed and easily scratched by hard objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional outward folding manner by implementing an inward folding design where the screens fold toward each other rather than away. This inversion allows the screens to be protected within the device body during folding, eliminating exposure to external scratches while maintaining structural simplicity through the hinge mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complicated folding mechanism with hundreds of components is used, then the folding function is achieved, but the mechanism becomes unstable and difficult to mass produce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the folding mechanism into distinct functional modules: hinge components connecting the screens, support structures providing structural integrity, and protective elements shielding the display. This modular segmentation reduces the overall component count from hundreds to a manageable number while improving assembly precision and manufacturing stability for mass production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. For example, the hinge structure simultaneously provides rotation capability, structural support, and positioning functions that were previously achieved by separate components. This consolidation reduces component count, simplifies the mechanism, and improves overall reliability by reducing the number of potential failure points
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 provides a stable and efficient folding mechanism that protects the foldable screen from damage while maintaining a compact structure, enhancing the usability and market viability of foldable screen devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the two transmission gears includes a rotation shaft and a rotary gear fixed to the rotation shaft and engaged with the teeth structure of one of the two rotary seats
Data Source
AI summary
A connection mechanism includes fixing seats, rotary seats, and transmission gears. Each of the fixing seats includes base and shaft holes provided at two sides of the arc-shaped base. The rotary seats and the transmission gears are clamped between two adjacent fixing seats. Each of the rotary seats includes a seat body, an arc-shaped groove longitudinally penetrating through the seat body, and a teeth structure formed by laterally extending from a middle portion of the seat body below the arc-shaped groove. Each of the two transmission gears includes a rotation shaft and a gear fixed onto the rotation shaft and engaged with the teeth structure, wherein the rotation shaft passes through the arc-shaped groove and includes two ends respectively limited inside the shaft holes of two adjacent fixing seats.