Foldable Hinge Mechanism With Stable Display Accommodating Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to design a hinge mechanism for foldable devices that prevents the flexible display from being damaged during the folding process, as existing mechanisms fail to ensure adequate protection and longevity of the display.
Innovation Solution
The proposed hinge mechanism includes a main shaft assembly, a foldable assembly, and a support assembly. The foldable assembly consists of guide rod arms, support arms, and connecting frames that rotate relative to the main shaft assembly, forming a display accommodating space that is large, stable, and has minimal tolerance, thereby reducing the risk of display damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the flexible display is frequently folded along with the foldable device for a long term, then the foldable device maintains its functionality, but the flexible display has a short service life due to being pulled during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into multiple support arms (first support arm, second support arm, third support arm) that independently support different regions of the flexible display. This segmentation allows each support arm to bear specific loads and prevent concentrated pulling forces on the display during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms act as intermediary structures between the hinge mechanism and the flexible display. These intermediaries absorb and distribute the mechanical stresses during folding, preventing direct transmission of pulling forces to the flexible display and thereby extending its service life.
2Reliability
If a traditional hinge mechanism is used without additional support structures, then the device complexity is low, but the flexible display is at risk of damage during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is integrated with the hinge mechanism by connecting the support arms to the foldable assembly through rotatable connections. This merging allows the support structure to move synchronously with the hinge during folding, providing display protection without requiring completely separate mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms serve multiple functions: they support the flexible display during folding, maintain the display accommodating space, and work cooperatively with the hinge mechanism. This multi-functionality provides reliable display protection while minimizing the addition of separate dedicated components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the display accommodating space is small or unstable in form, then the hinge mechanism structure is compact, but the flexible display is at risk of damage during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are arranged within the foldable assembly structure, with the first support arm, second support arm, and third support arm nested in space. This nesting allows the support structure to occupy minimal space while still providing adequate display accommodating volume and maintaining structural stability during folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms extend in multiple spatial dimensions relative to the hinge mechanism, creating a three-dimensional display accommodating space. This dimensional arrangement maximizes the protective volume around the flexible display without increasing the overall footprint of the hinge mechanism.
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 mechanism effectively reduces the risk of damage to the flexible display during folding by creating a stable and spacious display accommodating space, ensuring the longevity and reliability of the foldable device.
Implementation Method 1
The other end of the first support arm is rotatably connected to the first connecting frame through a first arc-shaped sliding groove and a first arc-shaped arm that slidably fits the first arc-shaped sliding groove
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge mechanism includes two guide rod mechanisms that are respectively formed between a main shaft assembly in the hinge mechanism, a first support arm, a first guide rod arm, and a first connecting frame, and between the main shaft assembly in the hinge mechanism, a second support arm, a second guide rod arm, and a second connecting frame. A first support plate and a second support plate are respectively fastened to the first support arm and the second support arm. The first support arm and the first connecting frame are rotatably connected through a first arc-shaped sliding groove and a first arc-shaped arm that are in sliding fit. The second support arm and the second connecting frame are rotatably connected through a second arc-shaped sliding groove and a second arc-shaped arm that are in sliding fit.