Foldable Hinge Structure for Display Buckling Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face issues with operational reliability due to differences in rotational trajectories of hinge plates caused by varying rotation axes, leading to buckling in the folding region of flexible displays.
Innovation Solution
A hinge apparatus with a bracket, first and second rotates, and hinge plates connected via rotation guide members, allowing the hinge plates to move in a straight line and compensate for differing rotational axes, enhancing fastening rigidity by using separate fixing members instead of pins.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rotates with different rotation axes are used in the hinge apparatus, then the hinge can accommodate complex folding movements, but the rotational trajectories of the hinge plates differ causing buckling in the flexible display
Solution Approach 1:
A trajectory compensation mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotates and hinge plates. This mechanism includes compensation links and compensation guides that mediate the motion transmission, ensuring that all hinge plates follow the same rotational trajectory despite having different rotation axes, thereby preventing display buckling while maintaining complex folding capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the geometric parameters of the hinge apparatus by carefully designing the compensation links and guides to match the rotational trajectories. By changing the spatial arrangement parameters of the hinge plates and rotates, the system achieves coordinated motion across all components, eliminating trajectory differences that would cause buckling
2Strength
If hinge plates are connected using separate fixing members instead of pins, then fastening rigidity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into separate fixing members rather than using a single integrated pin structure. Each fixing member is independently designed and positioned to provide specific fastening functions, which improves rigidity while allowing for modular assembly and easier maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The separate fixing members are arranged asymmetrically relative to the hinge plates, with each member positioned optimally for its specific fastening function. This asymmetric arrangement provides superior fastening rigidity compared to symmetric pin connections, while the modular nature of separate components actually reduces overall assembly complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing; and a hinge apparatus direct or indirectly connecting the first housing and the second housing so that the first housing and the second housing can be folded about a folding axis. The hinge apparatus includes: a bracket; a first rotator that is fastened to the bracket and rotates relative to the bracket about a first rotation axis; a second rotator that is fastened to the bracket and rotates relative to the bracket about a second rotation axis; a first rotation guide member fixed to the first housing; a second rotation guide member fixed to the second housing; a first hinge plate which is disposed on the first rotation guide member so as to be movable about the folding axis and rotates relative to the first rotation guide member about a third rotation axis; and a second hinge plate which is disposed on the second rotation guide member so as to be movable about the folding axis and rotates relative to the second rotation guide member about the fourth rotation axis.