Foldable Display Hinge Structure for Curvature and Trajectory Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable display devices face challenges in simultaneously controlling the curvature and trajectory of the folding section, particularly when using both inner and outer folding hinges, making it difficult to commercialize these mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a folding hinge unit that includes a plurality of chain hinges and an X hinge, allowing for both inward and outward folding, with the chain hinges being rotatable and having a shape that decreases in width from a convex central region to tapered upper and lower regions, and the X hinge controlling the folding trajectory, enabling constant radius of rotation and smooth folding operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both inner folding hinge and outer folding hinge are used, then folding functionality is improved, but device complexity increases and control of curvature and trajectory becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The folding hinge unit is designed to perform both inner folding and outer folding operations using a single integrated mechanism. The chain hinges can rotate in multiple directions and the X hinge configuration enables the same structure to achieve both folding modes, eliminating the need for separate inner and outer hinge mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of inner folding hinge and outer folding hinge into a single folding hinge unit. The chain hinges and X hinge structure are merged to provide both folding capabilities simultaneously, reducing the overall complexity of the hinge mechanism while maintaining versatile folding functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both inner folding hinge and outer folding hinge are used, then folding functionality is improved, but control of curvature and trajectory becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The X hinge configuration provides geometric constraints that automatically control the folding trajectory and curvature. As the chain hinges rotate, the X-shaped arrangement of connection chains ensures that the folding follows a predetermined path, providing inherent feedback control without requiring additional active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain hinges are designed with a specific curved shape where the width gradually decreases from the convex central region to the tapered upper and lower regions. This curved geometry enables smooth rotation and controlled curvature during folding operations, ensuring precise trajectory control while maintaining flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If chain hinges have rotatable central regions, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chain hinge shape is specifically designed with varying width parameters along its length. The width gradually decreases from the convex central region to the tapered ends, creating optimal rotational characteristics. This parameter optimization allows smooth rotation while maintaining manufacturability through progressive geometry changes rather than abrupt transitions.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a display device (1) including first and second set frames (120, 140) arranged adjacent to each other, a panel (10) arranged on inner surfaces of the first and second set frames (120, 140) and another panel (10) located on outer surfaces of the first and second set frames (120, 140), and a folding hinge unit (101) arranged between the first set frame (120) and the second set frame (140). The folding hinge unit (101) includes a plurality of chain hinges (100) arranged between the first and second set frames (120, 140) and configured to fold the first and second set frames (120, 140) inward and outward, and an X hinge including first and second connection chains (200, 300) coupled to the chain hinges (100) and configured to control a folding trajectory of the chain hinges (100).