Foldable Display Hinge with Leaf Spring Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable display devices face challenges in having a compact, robust hinge structure that prevents damage to the display panel while maintaining flatness and allowing for flexible bending.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display device with a hinge unit comprising multiple joints and leaf springs, along with a rotation controller system, that supports the display panel to be bendable and includes a step compensation layer to ensure flatness and reduce stress, using a combination of joints and leaf springs to distribute torque and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical hinge structure is used to enable folding, then the display device can be folded and compact, but the structure becomes complex and may damage the display panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidhinge structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge structure is divided into multiple independent joints (first joint, second joint, third joint) that can rotate independently relative to each other. Each joint is connected through leaf springs that provide flexible coupling, allowing the display panel to be segmented into multiple bodies that can fold without requiring a single complex hinge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Leaf springs are used as flexible connecting elements between joints. These thin elastic components enable relative rotation between joints while maintaining structural integrity and providing a simple, robust connection that avoids complex mechanical hinges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical hinge structure is used to enable folding, then the display device can be folded, but the structure may be fragile and damage the display panel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoiddisplay panel damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Leaf springs serve as flexible connecting elements between joints, providing elastic deformation capability that absorbs stress during folding and unfolding. This flexible connection prevents stress concentration that could damage the display panel, while maintaining structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The leaf springs are pre-designed with appropriate elasticity to cushion and absorb impact forces during folding operations. This beforehand cushioning protects the display panel from sudden stress spikes that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical hinge structure is used to enable folding, then the display device can be folded, but the structure size increases and robustness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidstructural robustness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is segmented into multiple small joints connected by leaf springs, replacing a single large mechanical hinge. This segmentation reduces the overall structure size while maintaining folding functionality, and the distributed joint structure provides inherent robustness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements (rotation joints, spring connections, positioning mechanisms) are merged into an integrated hinge unit where the leaf springs simultaneously provide structural support, enable rotation, and absorb stress. This merging creates a compact and robust structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a simple, rigid, and compact hinge structure that enhances the flatness of the display panel and prevents damage during folding and unfolding, ensuring reliable and durable performance.

Implementation Method 1

a first leaf spring disposed in the first recess, and a first fastener fixed to the third joint through the first leaf spring and the first joint

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11334123B2Foldable display device

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A foldable display device according to an exemplary embodiment includes a first body and a second body, and a hinge unit which is connected between the first body and the second body. The hinge unit includes a first joint which includes a first recess, a second joint which faces the first joint, a third joint disposed at one side of the first joint, a first leaf spring disposed in the first recess, and a first fastener fixed to the third joint through the first leaf spring and the first joint.