Foldable Hinge Module With Gear-Synced Rotary Plates for Thin Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable hinge modules for portable terminals are complex in structure and have a thick folded thickness, which hinders the efficient folding and unfolding of flexible displays.
Innovation Solution
A foldable hinge module comprising a central support, first and second rotary plates with gear parts, and a gear set that allows the plates to rotate about the X axis, with the gear set engaging in a Z axis direction, enabling the flexible display to be easily folded or unfolded while minimizing thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional hinge modules are used to support flexible display folding, then the folding function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and the folded thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module is divided into multiple functional components: a support body, a rotary plate with gear parts, and a gear set. Each component has a specific function, allowing the complex folding mechanism to be broken down into manageable segments that work together through gear engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear set acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotary plate and the folding action. When the rotary plate rotates, it engages the gear set, which translates the rotational motion into controlled folding movement, mediating between the simple rotation input and the complex folding output.
2Ease of operation
If conventional hinge modules are used to support flexible display folding, then the folding function is achieved, but the folded thickness becomes thick
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism utilizes rotational motion in the X-axis direction to achieve folding, rather than traditional linear compression. The rotary plate rotates about the X-axis, engaging the gear set to produce folding action, effectively using a different dimensional approach (rotation vs. linear movement) to reduce folded thickness.
3Ease of operation
If a gear set is added to enable synchronized rotation of rotary plates, then rotational control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gear set merges the rotation control of the first and second rotary plates into a single synchronized mechanism. When one rotary plate rotates, the gear set automatically coordinates the other, combining multiple control functions into one integrated system rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each plate.
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 module allows for a simpler structure and reduced thickness when folded, facilitating easy folding and unfolding of flexible displays while maintaining stability and accommodating the display effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a gear set coupled to the central support to be rotatable about the Z axis and operated while being engaged with the first gear part and the second gear part, wherein the gear set is operated by the first gear part that is rotated in the X axis direction when the first rotary plate is rotated about the X axis, and the second rotary plate is rotated about the X axis while the second gear part operated in conjunction with the gear set is rotated in the X axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a foldable hinge module for a portable terminal, and more particularly, a foldable hinge module for a portable terminal that can easily unfold or fold a flexible display mounted on the portable terminal. In the foldable hinge module for a portable terminal, the flexible display can be smoothly unfolded or folded as the first rotary plate and the second rotary plate are easily rotated in the Y axis direction, by using the gear set part engaged with the first gear part formed in the first rotary plate and the second gear part formed in the second rotary plate to be operated.