Foldable Hinge Structure for Crease Reduction and Gap-Free Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face issues of creases when folded due to large curvature and gaps when folded with small curvature, affecting portability and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure that forms a water-drop or dumbbell shape in the folding region, utilizing a detent structure instead of a cam structure, with elastic members and coupling members that compress or decompress to manage curvature and contact between housings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the folding region has a large curvature, then the display can be folded, but a crease occurs in the folding region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature control by designing the folding region with a specific curved shape (water-drop or dumbbell shape) that distributes stress evenly. The curved guide rails and rotational movement create a controlled curvature path that prevents sharp creases while enabling folding operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic folding through rotational movement around multiple axes. Instead of simple bending, the display undergoes complex rotational motion guided by curved rails, allowing the folding region to dynamically adjust its shape during the folding process and maintain optimal curvature distribution.
2Manufacturing precision
If the folding region has a small curvature, then creases are reduced, but a gap occurs between the housings when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses precisely controlled curvature in the folding region and guide rails to achieve the right balance. The curved paths are designed to maintain small enough curvature to prevent creases while ensuring the housings come into proper contact when folded, eliminating gaps through geometric design.
3Reliability
If a cam structure is used for detent mechanism, then folding positions can be controlled, but the hinge structure becomes complex and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detent function from the traditional cam structure and implements it through elastic members that engage with specific positions on the guide rails. This separation allows the folding position control to be achieved through simpler elastic engagement rather than complex cam mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cam-based detent system with an elastic member-based system. The elastic members provide the necessary positioning forces and detent effects through their elastic deformation and engagement with guide rail features, eliminating the need for complex mechanical cam structures.
4Ease of operation
If traditional hinge structures are used, then folding function is achieved, but the structure is complex and size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The guide rails simultaneously provide guidance, curvature control, and detent positioning. The elastic members both enable folding motion and provide positioning forces. This functional integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall hinge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs components with multiple functions. The curved guide rails serve as both motion guides and structural elements that define the folding path. The elastic members provide both the driving force for folding and the detent mechanism for position control. This multi-functionality reduces component count and structural complexity.
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
Reduces creases in the folding region, improves aesthetics by ensuring close contact between housings, and simplifies the hinge structure design while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member disposed between the first coupling member and the first arm member such that opposite ends of the first elastic member are supported by the first coupling member and the first arm member, and a second elastic member disposed between the second coupling member and the second arm member such that opposite ends of the second elastic member are supported by the second coupling member and the second arm member. In folding and unfolding operations of the electronic device, the first coupling member and the second coupling member perform a linear reciprocating motion relative to the first arm member and the second arm member, respectively. The first elastic member and the second elastic member are compressed or uncompressed based on the linear reciprocating motion of the first coupling member and the second coupling member.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a display, and a hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a fixed member, a first rotary member, a second rotary member, a first arm member, a second arm member, a first coupling member including one portion coupled to the first housing and another portion coupled to the first arm member so as to be linearly movable, a second coupling member including one portion coupled to the second housing and another portion coupled to the second arm member so as to slide, a first elastic member disposed between the first coupling member and the first arm member, and a second elastic member disposed between the second coupling member and the second arm member. Besides, it may be permissible to prepare various other embodiments speculated through the specification.