Foldable Display Hinge Shock Absorber Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable display devices are prone to damage from shock due to their hinge mechanisms, which have stepped portions or discontinuous exposure structures, leading to potential damage of the panel or internal structures when subjected to external loads.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display device design incorporating first and second set frames, a folding hinge, sliding plates, stationary plates, and shock absorbers made of materials like polyurethane or silicone, which are strategically positioned to absorb shock and protect the panel and internal structures from damage during folding and unfolding operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-link hinge mechanism with stepped portions is used to enable folding and unfolding, then the foldable display device achieves folding functionality, but the panel or internal structure may be damaged by shock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding functionalityVSAvoiddurability against shock

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a shock absorber that is pre-installed between the first and second set frames to cushion external shocks before they reach the hinge mechanism and panel. This beforehand cushioning prevents shock transmission that would otherwise damage the stepped portions of the hinge during folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorber acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the hinge mechanism. It mediates the transmission of shock forces, absorbing and dissipating them before they can reach the vulnerable stepped portions of the hinge and the panel, thereby protecting the folding structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If a hinge mechanism with discontinuous exposure structure is used to enable folding operation, then the device achieves compact folding state, but shock can damage the panel or internal structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompact folding stateVSAvoidshock damage to panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorber is positioned to provide beforehand cushioning against external shocks that would otherwise be transmitted to the discontinuous exposure structure of the hinge and the panel during compact folding, preventing damage while maintaining the space-saving folded state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorber converts the harmful effect of external shocks into a beneficial cushioning force. By absorbing and dissipating shock energy through controlled deformation, it transforms potentially damaging forces into harmless energy dissipation, protecting the panel and hinge structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Device complexity

If conventional hinge mechanisms are used without shock absorption, then the device structure remains simple, but durability against external load is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge mechanism structureVSAvoiddurability against external load

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The shock absorber provides beforehand cushioning against external loads, preventing shock transmission to the hinge mechanism and panel. This simple addition significantly improves durability without requiring complex structural changes to the existing hinge design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The shock absorber is constructed from shock-absorbing materials that combine energy absorption capabilities with structural integrity. This use of specialized materials provides enhanced durability against external loads while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 shock absorbers effectively absorb external shocks, enhancing the durability of the display device against external loads and preventing damage to the panel or internal structures, ensuring continued functionality and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a shock absorber having one end coupled to the first sliding plate and the panel and another end, which is opposite to the one end, coupled to the second sliding plate and movably disposed on the folding hinge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3660936B1Foldable display device with hinge

Publication Date: 2021.08.25 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

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AI summary

A display device includes first and second set frames (120, 140) disposed adjacent to each other, a panel (10) disposed above the first and second set frames (120, 140), a folding hinge (30) configured to connect the first set frame (120) with the second set frame (140), a first sliding plate (50) disposed between the first set frame (120) and the panel (10), a stationary plate (60) disposed between the second set frame (140) and the panel (10), a second sliding plate (51) disposed between the stationary plate (60) and the second set frame (140), and a shock absorber (100) having one end coupled to the first sliding plate (50) and the panel (10) and the other end coupled to the second sliding plate (51) and movably disposed on the folding hinge (30).