Foldable Hinge Module With Dual Rotation Centers for Display Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge modules for foldable devices with flexible displays face issues such as exposure to dust and moisture, damage from uneven curvature, and increased thickness, which affect the service life and design efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module with dual virtual rotation centers and synchronized rotating members that replace the single virtual rotation center and shaft-free seesaw structure, incorporating a curved body with guiding portions and linkage assemblies to reduce thickness, enhance design, and fully enclose the flexible display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a single virtual rotation center or shaft-free seesaw structure is used, then the overall thickness is reduced, but the flexible display is exposed to dust and moisture through triangular gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hinge structure into multiple segments including a curved body, first and second rotating members, and linkage assemblies. This segmentation allows the formation of a closed structure that encloses the flexible display while maintaining a thin profile, solving the contradiction between reduced thickness and protection from harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the flexible display is enclosed within the hinge module, which itself is integrated into the foldable device bodies. This nesting approach protects the flexible display from dust and moisture while maintaining a compact, thin overall structure.
2Device complexity
If a single virtual rotation center is used, then the structure is simplified, but the flexible display suffers from uneven curvature and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements including a first linkage assembly with a first torsion bar and a second linkage assembly with a second torsion bar. These dynamic components enable synchronized rotation of the first and second rotating members, ensuring uniform curvature distribution across the flexible display during folding and unfolding, thereby preventing damage while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rotational parameters by introducing dual rotating members that rotate synchronously around a curved body, rather than using a single virtual rotation center. This parameter change ensures uniform curvature distribution across the flexible display, preventing damage while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the two bodies are fully folded to hide the flexible display, then a triangular gap forms exposing the display, but if kept apart, the display remains exposed to harmful factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary enclosed space formed by the curved body and rotating members that acts as a protective barrier between the flexible display and the external environment. This intermediary structure allows full folding operation while preventing dust and moisture from reaching the display through the triangular gap.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a hinge module and a foldable type device with the same. In the hinge module, a first curved guiding portion and a second curved guiding portion are provided between two lateral surfaces of a curved body, and a first connecting portion of a first rotating member is connected with a first support plate. At least one of the first curved blocks of the first rotating member is swingable and limited within the first curved guiding portion. A second connecting portion of a second rotating member is connected with a second support plate. At least one of the second curved blocks of the second rotating member is swingable and limited within the second curved guiding portion. A first linkage assembly has one end pivotally connected with one side of the first curved block. A second linking member is provided at another end of the two linkage assemblies.