Foldable Display Hinge Structure for Compact Multi-Angle Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with narrow folding areas face challenges in arranging structures to support hinge motions due to limited space, making it difficult to optimize the arrangement and function of hinge structures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hinge structure with multiple components, including a bracket structure, arm detent structure, gear structure, and detent support structure, which allow for rotary motion and simultaneous operation of housing components, enabling efficient folding and unfolding while supporting various angles and suppressing torsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If various structures are disposed to support hinge motions of the housing structures, then the hinge motion support function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple support structures (bracket structure, arm detent structure, gear structure, and detent support structure) into an integrated hinge structure that performs multiple functions simultaneously. The bracket structure provides rotational support while the gear structure enables synchronized rotation of housing components, and the detent structures provide positional stability, all merged into a compact assembly that reduces overall system complexity despite performing multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides rotational motion support, synchronized coordination of housing components, positional detent mechanisms, and torsion suppression. This universal design allows a single integrated structure to perform what would otherwise require multiple separate components, optimizing space in the narrow folding area while maintaining comprehensive hinge motion support.
2Reliability
If multiple structures are arranged in the narrow folding area, then the hinge motion support capability is improved, but the space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the arm detent structure and gear structure are positioned within and around the bracket structure, and the detent support structure provides underlying support. This nesting allows multiple support structures to occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial zones, maximizing the utilization of the narrow folding area while maintaining all necessary hinge motion support functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement where components are positioned at different heights and angles within the folding area. The bracket structure forms a foundational support, while the arm detent and gear structures extend in different spatial dimensions, allowing multiple structures to coexist in a compact volume without interfering with each other's functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the housing structures rotate through a predetermined angle, then the folding function is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detent structures are pre-positioned within the hinge assembly to engage at specific rotational angles. As the housing structures begin to rotate, the detent arms are already positioned to catch and hold the housing at predetermined angles, providing automatic stability points during the folding operation without requiring active control or additional stabilization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear structure acts as an intermediary mechanism that transmits and coordinates the rotational motion between the housing components. As one housing structure rotates, the gear structure ensures synchronized rotation of the other housing component, maintaining structural stability and coordination throughout the folding motion rather than allowing uncontrolled or asymmetric movement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable communication device comprising two housings, a hinge structure connecting the two housings, and a flexible display disposed over the two housings and the hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a first and second shaft gear rotating about a first and second axis, respectively, a first and second arm rotating about the first and second axis and rotating the first and second shaft gear, respectively, a first and second rotary bracket including a first and second rail rotating about a third and fourth axis while the first and second arm is rotated about the first and second axis, respectively, a first and second rotary cam rotating with the first and second shaft gear, respectively, a first and second elastic body, and a first and second cam member engaged with the first and second rotary cam and applying or releasing pressure to the first and second elastic body, respectively.