Foldable Hinge Mechanism With Controlled 3D Link Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable electronic devices face challenges in ensuring structural reliability of flexible displays due to the difficulty in accommodating the bending requirements of the flexible display within the limited screen accommodation space provided by the miniaturized hinge mechanism.
Innovation Solution
The proposed hinge mechanism includes a main shaft, rotating modules, and connecting members that are slidably or rotatably connected to the main shaft, allowing for a reduced thickness while maintaining sufficient strength and stability. This design ensures that the motion trajectory of the connecting members is limited, preventing uncontrolled movement and enhancing the structural integrity of the hinge mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hinge mechanism is miniaturized to reduce device size, then the device becomes more compact, but the screen accommodation space decreases making it difficult to meet the bending requirements of the flexible display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by allowing the connecting member to move not only radially but also axially relative to the main shaft. The connecting member can protrude from the radial plane of the support arm, creating a three-dimensional motion trajectory that increases the effective screen accommodation space without increasing the overall hinge mechanism footprint, thus resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and display bending requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic motion control where the connecting member's trajectory is precisely controlled through a combination of radial rotation and axial movement. This dynamic positioning allows the hinge mechanism to maintain adequate screen accommodation space throughout the folding motion while keeping the mechanism compact, preventing extrusion of the flexible display
2Length of moving object
If the hinge mechanism is miniaturized, then the device thickness is reduced, but the structural strength and stability of the hinge mechanism may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hinge mechanism into multiple functional components: the main shaft, support arm, and connecting member with distinct functions. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific role while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling thickness reduction without compromising strength
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member acts as an intermediary between the support arm and the door plate fastening bracket. It mediates the motion transmission while maintaining structural strength through its specific trajectory control, allowing the hinge mechanism to be thinner while preserving the necessary mechanical strength for reliable operation
3Reliability
If the connecting member is rotatably or slidably connected to the main shaft, then the motion trajectory is limited and extrusion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rotational and sliding connections into a single integrated connecting member structure. This merging of connection types allows the connecting member to achieve both motion limitation and extrusion prevention through a unified structure rather than separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits motion, limits trajectory, prevents extrusion, and maintains structural strength. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving the desired reliability for flexible display protection
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge mechanism includes a main shaft, a rotating module, a first door plate, and a second door plate. The rotating module includes a first rotating component, a second rotating component, a first housing fastening bracket, and a second housing fastening bracket. The first rotating component includes a first support arm, a first connecting member, and a first door plate fastening bracket. The first connecting member is separately and rotatably connected to the first support arm and the first door plate fastening bracket, and the first connecting member is rotatably or slidably connected to the main shaft. The second rotating component includes a second support arm, a second connecting member, and a second door plate fastening bracket. The second connecting member is rotatably connected to the second support arm and the second door plate fastening bracket, and the second connecting member is rotatably or slidably connected to the main shaft.