Foldable Display Hinge Structure for Stable Folded Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face issues maintaining a desired folded state due to restoring forces, which can lead to unintended unfolding motions.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure that includes a fixed portion, rotary portions, arm shafts, arms with cams, and elastic members to apply torque that cancels out the restoring force of the display, allowing stable folding and unfolding without increasing device thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the size of the flexible display is increased to provide a wide screen, then the screen area is improved, but the restoring force in the folded state increases causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure incorporates elastic members (springs) that generate counteracting forces to balance the restoring force of the flexible display. The first and second elastic members are positioned to apply forces in opposite directions to the display's restoring force, creating a balanced system that maintains stable folded and unfolded states regardless of display size.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure uses movable cams that can linearly move in the axial direction and rotate about the axial direction, allowing the mechanism to dynamically adjust its position and the force application points. This dynamic adjustment enables the hinge to maintain stability across different folding angles and display sizes by optimizing the mechanical advantage at each state.
2Stability of the object's composition
If elastic members are added to counteract restoring force, then folding state stability is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members are nested within the hinge structure's existing spatial envelope. The springs are positioned inside the hinge assembly, utilizing the available internal space rather than adding external thickness. The cam mechanisms and elastic members are integrated into the same housing volume, allowing the counterbalancing system to fit within the原有 thickness constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing thickness in the axial direction, the hinge structure distributes components in the radial and circumferential dimensions. The elastic members are arranged to apply forces through the cam mechanisms in a way that utilizes the width and depth of the hinge assembly rather than requiring additional axial space, effectively moving the solution from one dimension to another.
3Power
If cam mechanisms are used to transmit force, then torque control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is divided into separate, modular components: first cam, second cam, third cam, and fourth cam, each with specific functions. The elastic members are also separate replaceable components. This segmentation allows each cam to be manufactured and calibrated independently, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining precise torque control through the coordinated action of multiple simpler parts rather than one complex integrated mechanism.
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 hinge structure effectively maintains the desired folded state and prevents unintended unfolding by providing sufficient torque to counteract the restoring force of the display, ensuring stable operation and portability of foldable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member coupled to the first arm shaft and configured to apply an elastic force in the axial direction, a second elastic member coupled to the second arm shaft and configured to apply an elastic force in the axial direction
Implementation Method 2
a first moving cam coupled to the first arm shaft configured to linearly move in the axial direction and rotate about the axial direction, a second moving cam coupled to the second arm shaft configured to linearly move in the axial direction and rotate about the axial direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a display extending from the first housing to the second housing, and a hinge structure including a hinge connected to the first housing and the second housing.The hinge structure includes: a fixed portion, a first rotary portion coupled to the fixed structure to be rotatable about a first axis of rotation and connected to the first housing, a second rotary portion coupled to the fixed portion to be rotatable about a second axis of rotation and connected to the second housing, the first axis of rotation and the second axis of rotation extending parallel to an axial direction, a first arm shaft rotatably coupled to the fixed portion and parallel to the axial direction, a second arm shaft rotatably coupled to the fixed portion and parallel to the axial direction, a first arm coupled to the first arm shaft and configured to rotate together with the first arm shaft and including a first arm cam formed around the first arm shaft, a second arm coupled to the second arm shaft and configured to rotate together with the second arm shaft and including a second arm cam formed around the second arm shaft, a first elastic member coupled to the first arm shaft and configured to apply an elastic force in the axial direction, a second elastic member coupled to the second arm shaft and configured to apply an elastic force in the axial direction.