Foldable Display Hinge Mechanism for Neutral-Axis Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible, or foldable, display devices are prone to deformation and damage when not maintained at a neutral axis of bending, and existing hinge mechanisms are complex, artificial, and susceptible to failure, leading to stress on components.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a dynamic hinge assembly that maintains the neutral axis of bending, allowing a change in length synchronized with the foldable display's movement, preventing excessive tension and compression on fragile components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge mechanism is provided separately from the display apparatus, then the display apparatus can be disassembled and transported, but the hinge mechanism occupies additional space and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is merged with the display apparatus by integrating it into the existing structural components. The support beam is formed as an integrated component that serves both as a structural support element and as the hinge mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate hinge assembly while maintaining the disassembly capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support beam is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables folding motion through the hinge mechanism, and serves as a mounting structure for the touch sensor assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed in the display apparatus.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge mechanism uses a separate support beam, then the folding function is achieved, but the number of components increases and assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism and support beam are merged into a single integrated component. The support beam incorporates the hinge mechanism directly into its structure, allowing the folding function to be achieved without requiring separate hinge components, thereby reducing the total number of parts and simplifying assembly.
3Device complexity
If the hinge mechanism is integrated into the display apparatus, then device complexity is reduced, but the hinge mechanism may not be easily replaceable or maintainable
Solution Approach 1:
The display apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: the hinge mechanism module, the touch sensor module, and the display module. This modular segmentation allows the hinge mechanism to be easily accessed and replaced independently while maintaining the integrated design benefits, improving maintainability without increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
A foldable device includes a foldable layer and a hinge mechanism (330) including at least one hinge module (400). The at least one hinge module (400) includes a first hinge section (400A) and a second hinge section (400B) that are each rotatable relative to a central hinge axis (A) to move the device between an unfolded and a folded configuration. The first and second hinge sections (400A, 400B) may each include a first rod (431A, 431B) that is threadably engaged in a first passage in a corresponding housing of the device, and a second rod (432A, 432B) that is movably received in a second passage in a corresponding housing of the device. Movement of the first rod (431A, 431B) within the first passage adjusts a length of the hinge module during folding/unfolding of the device to maintain bending within a neutral layer of the foldable layer, while being guided by movement of the second rod (432A, 432B) in the second passage.