Foldable Display Hinge with Elastic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face limitations in expandability of the display region, portability of the folded panel, and technical challenges related to maintaining flexibility and stability during folding and unfolding operations.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device design featuring a flexible display panel, a mid-frame, a hinge part, and a case structure that allows the display panel to be folded into multiple modes (dual, expanded, and pivot) with a hinge mechanism that enables staged folding and maintains stability through a combination of flexible and rigid components, including tension springs and frame members for elastic support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display panel is used to enable folding, then the display device can be folded and unfolded, but the expandability of the display region and portability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is divided into multiple flexible display panels that can be independently folded and positioned. Each panel can be folded along specific folding lines to create different display modes (e.g., dual display mode, expanded mode, pivot mode), allowing the display region to expand beyond a single continuous surface while maintaining portability through selective segmentation of the display area.
2Volume of moving object
If the display panel is folded to improve portability, then the device becomes more compact, but stability and resistance to deformation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure incorporates tension springs that dynamically adjust during folding and unfolding operations. The springs provide elastic restoring force that maintains structural stability in folded states while allowing smooth transitions between configurations. This dynamic support system ensures the display panels remain stable and resistant to deformation during portability modes without compromising the folding mechanism's functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge structure is added to enable folding modes, then multiple display modes are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure integrates multiple functions into a single mechanical assembly: it connects adjacent flexible display panels, provides folding articulation, incorporates tension springs for elastic support, and enables multiple display modes (dual, expanded, pivot) through coordinated movement of integrated components. This merging of connection, actuation, and support functions into one unified hinge structure reduces overall device complexity compared to separate systems for each function.
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
Enables flexible and stable folding and unfolding operations, enhancing user experience with multiple display modes, maintaining compactness while preventing deformation from external forces, and allowing for easy conversion between modes without increasing volume or thickness.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge structure for allowing the flexible display panel to be maintained in a predetermined shape or at a predetermined folding angle
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a foldable display device (100) including a flexible display panel (110); a first case (140) positioned at a periphery of the display panel (110); a mid-frame (120) positioned adjacent to the display panel (110) and extending co-planar with the display panel (110); a plurality of holes (121) extending through the mid-frame (120) at a folding region of the mid-frame (120); a second case (150) positioned adjacent to the mid-frame (120) extending co-planar with the mid-frame (120); and a third case (160) positioned adjacent to the second case (150) and configured to support the second case.