Foldable Hinge Structure with Guiding Members for Flexible Screen Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices with flexible screens face increased size, weight, and assembly complexity due to the need for multiple components to support the folding mechanism, leading to higher costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A hinge structure comprising a first shaft assembly, guiding members, a second shaft assembly, and supporting plates that allow for parallel rotation axes, reducing the number of components and space occupied while maintaining support functionality, forming a 'water drop angle' to accommodate the flexible screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple components are used to support the flexible screen in foldable electronic devices, then the supporting function is improved, but the size, weight, and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple supporting components into a single integrated hinge structure. The hinge assembly integrates the supporting plate, rotating shaft, and guiding mechanism into one unified component that performs multiple functions: supporting the flexible screen, enabling rotation, and maintaining structural stability during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a supporting element for the flexible screen, provides a rotating mechanism for folding, and functions as a structural connector between device components. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used to support the flexible screen, then the supporting function is improved, but the size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple supporting components into a single integrated hinge structure. The hinge assembly integrates the supporting plate, rotating shaft, and guiding mechanism into one unified component that performs multiple functions: supporting the flexible screen, enabling rotation, and maintaining structural stability during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure utilizes thin-walled but structurally sound components that provide adequate support while minimizing weight. The supporting plate and rotating shaft are designed with optimized thickness and geometry to achieve the required mechanical strength with minimal material usage.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used to support the flexible screen, then the supporting function is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple supporting components into a single integrated hinge structure. The hinge assembly integrates the supporting plate, rotating shaft, and guiding mechanism into one unified component that performs multiple functions: supporting the flexible screen, enabling rotation, and maintaining structural stability during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed as a modular assembly that can be manufactured in separate stages and then assembled. The supporting plate, rotating shaft, and guiding mechanism can be produced independently using standard manufacturing processes, then assembled into the complete hinge unit, facilitating easier production and quality control.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge structure is configured to be disposed between a first body and a second body. The hinge structure includes a first shaft assembly, at least two guiding members, a second shaft assembly, and two supporting plates. Each guiding member includes a first end and a second end, the first end is bent to form a sliding groove. The second shaft assembly is disposed in the sliding groove. The two supporting plates are connected to the first body and the second body, respectively, one end of each supporting plate is sleeved on the first shaft assembly, and another end of each supporting plate is fixed to the second end of, when the first body and the second body are closed to or opened with each other, the second shaft assembly is displaced relative to the guiding member. An electronic device is provided according to the present disclosure.