Foldable Hinge Module Recess Structure for Display Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in ensuring the durability and structural integrity of flexible displays in foldable electronic devices, particularly in preventing breakage due to external impacts while maintaining a slim form factor.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module design with recesses in rotation members to disperse stress and reduce the thickness of buffering members, enhancing durability and slimness by ensuring line contact with the flexible display's rear surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the buffering member is increased to reduce breakage of the flexible display, then the durability is improved, but the device thickness increases and slimming is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a recess structure in the rotation member that extends in the thickness direction, creating a new dimensional space to accommodate the buffering member. This allows the buffering member to be positioned within the recess rather than increasing the overall device thickness, thus resolving the contradiction between durability and slimming.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffering member is nested within the recess of the rotation member, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement allows the buffering member to be housed inside the existing structural component without adding external thickness, enabling both protection and device slimming simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the thickness of the buffering member is increased to reduce breakage of the flexible display, then the durability is improved, but the device becomes less slim
Solution Approach 1:
The recess structure utilizes the thickness dimension internally, allowing the buffering member to be accommodated without increasing the device's external profile. This maintains the device's slim shape while providing adequate buffering for durability.
Solution Approach 2:
By nesting the buffering member within the rotation member's recess, the patent achieves both durability enhancement and device slimness, as the buffering function is integrated into the existing structural volume rather than adding external bulk.
3Length of stationary object
If the hinge module structure is simplified to maintain device slimness, then the device thickness is reduced, but the stress dispersion capability is weakened
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation member is segmented by introducing a recess that creates a distinct space for the buffering member. This segmentation allows the hinge module to maintain a compact overall structure while incorporating the stress-dispersing buffering function within the segmented space, thus achieving both thinness and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffering member is nested within the rotation member's recess, allowing the hinge module to maintain a simplified, compact structure without compromising stress dispersion capability. The nesting arrangement ensures that the buffering function is integrated within the existing structural envelope rather than requiring additional external components.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing; a flexible display disposed to be supported by the first housing and the second housing and configured to be bendable with respect to a folding axis; a first lower layer disposed at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the first housing under the flexible display; a second lower layer that is disposed at a position corresponding to at least a portion of the second housing under the flexible display, and arranged to have a first gap with the first lower layer in a direction parallel to the folding axis; and a hinge module including: a support body; a first rotation member rotatably coupled to the support body at one end, connected to the first housing at the other end, and at least partially supporting the first lower layer; and a second rotation member rotatably coupled to the support body at one end, connected to the second housing at the other end, and at least partially supporting the second lower layer, wherein the first rotation member may include a first recess lower than a first upper surface of the first rotation member in a region overlapping at least a first edge of the first lower layer when the flexible display is viewed from above.