Foldable Device Hinge Extension Chain Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays in foldable electronic devices face damage during bending and unfolding due to size differences at the inner and outer sides of the bend, which existing hinge mechanisms fail to adequately address, leading to potential wrinkling or breaking.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design incorporating a hinge assembly, extension chain assembly, and linkage mechanism that compensates for size differences by allowing the extension chain assembly to slide and pivot, generating an extension state change to smoothly transform the flexible display from a bent to an unfolded state, preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display is bent during folding, then the display can be transformed between bent and unfolded states, but the inner side and outer side of the bend experience different lengths causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The extension chain assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hinge assembly and the flexible display. It compensates for the length difference between the inner and outer sides of the bent display through its own extension and retraction movements, thereby preventing the display from experiencing excessive stress or deformation during folding and unfolding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The extension chain assembly changes its own physical parameters (extension length) dynamically during the folding process. By adjusting its extension state, it compensates for the size difference of the flexible display, allowing the display to transition smoothly between bent and unfolded states without damage
2Ease of operation
If the flexible display is repeatedly bent and unfolded, then the device achieves folding functionality, but the display may become wrinkled or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The extension chain assembly serves as a mediator that absorbs the mechanical stress during repeated folding operations. Through its extension and retraction movements, it prevents the flexible display from experiencing excessive bending stress that would cause wrinkling or breaking, thereby extending the display's service life
Solution Approach 2:
The extension chain assembly provides beforehand cushioning by compensating for the size difference before the flexible display undergoes bending. This pre-compensation mechanism protects the display from sudden stress changes during folding, reducing the risk of damage over repeated operations
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device including a first body, a second body, a flexible display disposed on the first and the second bodies, a hinge assembly connected between the first and the second bodies, an extension chain assembly, and a linkage is provided. The first and the second bodies are rotated relatively to be unfolded or folded via the hinge assembly. An end of the linkage and an end of the extension chain assembly are pivoted together and coupled to the first body in a sliding and pivoting manner. Another end of the linkage is pivoted to the hinge assembly, and another end of the extension chain assembly is pivoted to the second body. In a transforming process between the folded and the unfolded states, an extension traveling of the extension chain assembly compensates a size difference of the flexible display between the folded and the unfolded states.