Foldable Hinge Module With Sliding Linkage for Thin Display Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge modules for foldable devices suffer from increased thickness due to gaps between support members, which complicates the assembly and stability of flexible display devices when folded, and require numerous components, increasing production costs.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module design featuring sliding and pivotal mechanisms between casing bodies, with linkage members and middle transmission members, allowing for relative movement and compensation of the folding/unfolding path, reducing component complexity and thickness while maintaining stability and curvature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-shaft type hinge with sufficient distances between four shafts is used to accommodate other components, then the hinge can accommodate linkage members, friction sheets, linkage plates and block sheets, but a gap is formed between the second support member and the third support member when the structure is folded, increasing the whole thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple support members and hinge components into a more compact integrated structure. The first, second, and third support members are positioned closer together without the traditional gaps, and the hinge mechanism integrates the accommodation of linkage members, friction sheets, and other components within this reduced space, thereby reducing the whole thickness while maintaining component accommodation capability.
2Shape
If two symmetrically-arranged flexible structures with multiple support rods and support frames are used to reduce curvature at bent portions, then the whole thickness is reduced when folded, but the structure requires numerous components increasing assembly complexity and production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates redundant components from the traditional symmetric flexible structure. Instead of using multiple support rods and symmetric support frames, the invention uses a simplified configuration with fewer pivotal parts and linkage members that achieve the same curvature control function, thereby reducing assembly complexity and production costs while maintaining the curvature reduction effect.
3Device complexity
If the distance between pivotal parts and linkage members is reduced to simplify the structure, then component complexity is reduced, but the stability in transmission during bending and flattening may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic linkage mechanisms with pivotal parts that allow controlled movement and adaptation during the folding and flattening cycles. The linkage members are designed with specific geometric relationships and connection points that maintain transmission stability through dynamic adjustment, ensuring reliable operation even with reduced distances between components.
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 proposed hinge module effectively reduces the thickness of foldable devices by simplifying components, ensuring stable transmission and minimal curvature when bent, and providing a supporting effect in a flattened state, thus enhancing operational stability and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a first linkage member, having one end part thereof pivoted to the first pivotal part... a second linkage member, having one end part thereof pivoted with the second pivotal part
Implementation Method 2
a slide member, having one end part thereof capable of relatively sliding and positioned in the first casing body
Implementation Method 3
a middle transmission member, pivoted to the first casing body, wherein a third action zone and a fourth action zone are respectively formed between two end parts of the middle transmission member
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge module for a foldable type device is connected with two casings, and applied to a flexible monitor for being relatively rotated so as to be in a folded status or an unfolded status. Each casing has two casing bodies capable of mutually sliding, the hinge module includes a base and two slide mechanisms, two transmission members of each slide mechanism are pivoted to two pivotal parts of the base, an opposite end of a linkage member and each slide member are connected to each casing body, with a transmission effect provided by each middle transmission member between each linkage member and each slide member and a mutual guiding effect between the casing bodies, each casing body can stably retract and the length variation of the flexible monitor, after being bent, can be compensated through the displacing path, thereby reducing the curvature of a bent portion thereof.