Foldable Display Hinge Module With Elastic Angle-Holding Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with foldable or rollable displays face challenges in maintaining mechanical stability while allowing for movement and portability, as existing hinge modules struggle to securely fold or unfold without compromising durability.

Innovation Solution

A hinge module comprising a first and second housing with a flexible display, connected by a hinge bracket, rotation brackets, interlocking members with gear shafts, and guide members providing elastic force, allowing for stable folding and unfolding while reducing load on the interlocking members and maintaining the desired angle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If conventional hinge modules are used to enable folding structures, then portability and screen size are improved, but mechanical stability and operational reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen sizeVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module is divided into multiple functional components: a hinge bracket, first and second rotation brackets, first and second interlocking members with gear shafts, and first and second guide members. Each segment performs a specific function (rotation, interlocking, guiding, elastic support) to collectively achieve stable folding while maintaining portability and large screen area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the hinge module allows rotation and folding movement, then ease of operation and portability are improved, but structural stability and position maintenance worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding operationVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module employs dynamic elements including rotation brackets that enable controlled folding movement, interlocking members with gear shafts that provide staged rotation, and guide members with elastic forces that adapt to operational positions. This dynamic design allows easy folding operation while maintaining structural stability through controlled mechanical interactions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the interlocking member bears the full folding load, then structural strength is maintained, but durability and load capacity worsen due to excessive stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The guide members provide elastic forces that act as counterweights to the folding load on the interlocking members. This elastic support reduces the net load borne by the interlocking members, decreasing stress and fatigue while maintaining structural strength, thereby improving durability and extending the operational lifespan of the hinge module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

4Volume of moving object

If the hinge module is designed for compact folding, then portability is improved, but the complexity of the mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge module employs a nested arrangement where rotation brackets are mounted on the hinge bracket, interlocking members are positioned within the rotation brackets, and guide members are integrated into the rotation brackets. This nested structure achieves compact folding volume while systematically organizing the complexity of multiple mechanical components in a space-efficient manner.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 module enables stable interlocking of housings, reduces load on interlocking members, and enhances durability by aligning the folding direction with the elastic force direction, allowing for secure folding and unfolding while maintaining the desired angle.

Implementation Method 1

a first guide member connected with the first rotation bracket and configured to provide an elastic force to the first interlocking member in a first direction perpendicular to the flexible display, and a second guide member connected with the second rotation bracket and configured to provide an elastic force to the second interlocking member in the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4199482B1Electronic device comprising hinge module
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4199482B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4199482B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4199482B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a first housing; a second housing; a display which is received in the first housing and the second housing; and a hinge module which connects the first housing and the second housing to each other, wherein the hinge module comprises: a hinge bracket; a first rotating bracket which is connected to the first housing and rotatably mounted to the hinge bracket; a second rotating bracket which is connected to the second housing and rotatably mounted to the hinge bracket; a first link member which includes a first gear shaft at least partially received in the hinge bracket and is at least partially disposed in the first rotating bracket; a second link member which is connected to the first gear shaft, includes a second gear shaft at least partially received in the hinge bracket, and is at least partially disposed in the second rotating bracket; a first guide member which is connected to the first rotating bracket and is configured to provide an elastic force to the first link member in a first direction perpendicular to the display; and a second guide member which is connected to the second rotating bracket and is configured to provide an elastic force to the second link member in the first direction.