Foldable Hinge Bracket Groove Layout for Flexible Screen Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing foldable electronic devices suffer from stress imprint issues and reduced service life due to the hinge assembly squeezing the flexible screen during folding, leading to indentations and poor appearance and performance.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a support surface featuring a first groove part adjacent to the swing arm and a second groove part, where the first groove part is larger than the second, providing differential deformation to avoid squeezing the screen and support it effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the hinge assembly is designed to be lightweight and thin to reduce occupied space, then the flexible screen is further compressed during folding, but this causes stress imprint problem and indentation in the bending area
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface of the hinge bracket is designed with different groove structures at different locations. The first groove part adjacent to the swing arm has a larger size to accommodate deformation, while the second groove part has a smaller size. This local differentiation allows the hinge assembly to be compact overall while providing adequate support space where needed, preventing stress concentration and indentation on the flexible screen during folding.
2Shape
If the hinge assembly squeezes the flexible screen during folding to achieve compact form, then the device occupies less space, but this creates indentation and affects service life
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure on the support surface is designed in advance to accommodate and cushion the deformation of the flexible screen during folding. The first groove part with larger size provides a buffer zone that absorbs compression forces before they can concentrate on the screen, preventing indentation while enabling compact folding form. This preliminary cushioning structure protects the screen integrity throughout the folding process.
3Ease of manufacture
If the groove size is uniform across the support surface, then manufacturing is simpler, but the hinge assembly cannot effectively accommodate differential deformation and avoid screen squeezing
Solution Approach 1:
The groove structure implements local quality by having different sizes at different locations. The first groove part adjacent to the swing arm has a larger size to accommodate the greater deformation that occurs in this region during folding, while the second groove part has a smaller size. This non-uniform design effectively addresses the differential deformation patterns without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as it can be implemented through standard machining or molding techniques.
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 indentations on the flexible screen, prolongs its service life, and enhances the overall appearance and performance of the foldable device by uniformly distributing forces.
Implementation Method 1
the swing arm is rotatably connected to the hinge bracket, and in a process in which the swing arm rotates relative to the hinge bracket, the hinge assembly switches between an unfolded state and a folded state
Implementation Method 2
the support surface is provided with a groove, the groove includes a first groove part and a second groove part, the first groove part is adjacent to the swing arm, and a size of the first groove part is greater than a size of the second groove part... the support surface of the hinge bracket is configured to support the bending area
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly and an electronic device are provided. The hinge assembly includes a base, a swing arm, and a hinge bracket. The hinge bracket is disposed on the base, the swing arm is rotatably connected to the hinge bracket, and in a process in which the swing arm rotates relative to the hinge bracket, the hinge assembly switches between an unfolded state and a folded state. There is a support surface on a side that is of the hinge bracket and that is away from the base, the support surface is provided with a groove, the groove includes a first groove part and a second groove part, the first groove part is adjacent to the swing arm, and a size of the first groove part is greater than a size of the second groove part.