Foldable Mobile Terminal Multi-Rod Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable mobile terminals have limited expansion angles, which can lead to mechanical stress and potential damage to the flexible panel, resulting in a shorter service lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A multi-rod mechanism with retractable bushings and axial shoulders is employed to create an accommodating space for the bent section, allowing the foldable mobile terminal to be folded from 0° to 360°, while elastic damping sheets and rotation position locking structures enhance stability and prevent excessive bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the expansion angle of the foldable mobile terminal is increased beyond 180°, then the screen size and visual effect are improved, but the mechanical stress on the flexible panel increases and the service lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into multiple rods (first rod, second rod, third rod) connected by bushings, allowing the bending angle to be distributed across multiple segments. This segmentation enables the flexible panel to bend at larger angles without concentrating excessive stress at a single pivot point, thereby extending service lifetime while maintaining large screen area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the hinge mechanism by introducing multiple rods with specific length ratios and arrangement configurations. By optimizing parameters such as rod lengths, bushing positions, and connection geometries, the mechanism achieves improved stress distribution that allows expansion angles beyond 180° while maintaining flexible panel integrity.
2Device complexity
If a single pivot hinge is used for folding, then the structure is simple, but the expansion angle is limited and mechanical stress concentrates at the pivot point
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple rods and bushings instead of a single pivot. The first rod connects to the first support housing, the second rod connects to the second support housing, and the third rod connects the first and second rods. This segmented structure distributes mechanical stress across multiple connection points, improving structural stability while enabling larger expansion angles.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushings are nested within the rod structures, with the first bushing on the first rod, second bushing on the second rod, and third bushing connecting the first and second rods. This nested arrangement allows the multiple components to work together in a compact configuration, achieving enhanced structural stability without excessive complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible panel is folded at large angles, then the carrying convenience is improved, but the risk of panel damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bushings are positioned and configured in advance to provide cushioning and stress distribution before the flexible panel is folded. The first bushing, second bushing, and third bushing are arranged to create accommodating spaces that guide and protect the flexible panel during bending, preventing damage even at large folding angles that improve carrying convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The bushings act as intermediary elements between the rigid support housings and the flexible panel. These intermediaries facilitate smooth bending motion and distribute stresses, protecting the flexible panel from direct contact with rigid structures that could cause damage during large-angle folding.
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
This design extends the foldable range, alleviates mechanical stress on the flexible panel, and significantly prolongs the service lifetime by allowing larger expansion angles and improved structural stability.
Implementation Method 1
a first bushing pivoted with one of the any two adjacent support rods, and an axial displacement of the first bushing is limited, and a second bushing installed on the other support rod of the any two adjacent support rods, and an axial displacement of the second bushing is limited
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates to the field of display technologies, and discloses a foldable mobile terminal so as to increase a folding angle, to alleviate a flexible panel from being broken, and to prolong the lifetime of the foldable mobile terminal, and the foldable mobile terminal includes: a flexible panel including a bending section, and a first flat section and a second flat section located on two sides of the bending section; a first support housing and a second support housing, wherein the first support housing is connected with a backside of the first flat section, and the second support housing is connected with a backside of the second flat section; and a multi-rod mechanism located on a backside of the bending section, and connected with the first support housing and the second support housing, the multi-rod mechanism including a plurality of support rods arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other, and extending along a bending axis of the bending section, and a connection structure arranged corresponding to a common end of two adjacent support rods, wherein the connection structure includes a first bushing pivoted with one of the two adjacent support rods, and axially limited in position, and a second bushing installed on the other support rod of the two adjacent support rods, and axially limited in position, wherein the first bushing is retractably connected with the second bushing.