Foldable Display Hinge Structure for Smooth Panel Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flexible display devices face challenges in achieving a completely flexible and aesthetically pleasing design, particularly due to sensitivity to environmental contaminants, complex manufacturing methods, and difficulties in implementing color and video replay in foldable formats.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device with a hinge mechanism that includes a rotation axis module, sliders, and a link arm system, which allows for controlled rotation and sliding movements to reduce deformation during folding and unfolding, combined with a foldable plate for a smooth surface and improved appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple rotation hinge is used for foldable display device, then the device can be folded and unfolded, but the display panel module deforms and the appearance quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism transforms from a simple rotation joint to a dynamic parallel mechanism with multiple degrees of freedom. The first and second sliders move along guide lines while the link arm rotates, creating a coordinated motion system that dynamically maintains the display panel module's planarity during folding and unfolding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is divided into multiple independent components: a rotation axis module, a first slider, a second slider, and a link arm. Each component performs a specific function (rotation, sliding along inclined guide lines, connecting), and their coordinated operation achieves the overall goal of maintaining display panel shape while enabling folding.
2Device complexity
If the link arm rotation axis is aligned with the rotation axis, then the mechanism is simpler, but the display panel module cannot maintain its shape during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The link arm rotation axis is deliberately positioned asymmetrically relative to the rotation axis, not aligned with it. This asymmetric arrangement creates the necessary geometric relationship that allows the link arm to rotate independently while the sliders move along inclined guide lines, thereby maintaining the display panel module's shape during folding operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional hinge mechanisms are used, then the device can be manufactured with standard components, but the appearance quality and surface smoothness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A foldable plate with a flexible structure is introduced between the display panel module and the hinge mechanism. This foldable plate can bend and deform elastically during folding, absorbing the mechanical stress and maintaining a smooth appearance surface, while still allowing the hinge mechanism to perform its folding function.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display device includes a hinge, a support plate connected to opposite ends of the hinge and a display panel module disposed on the support plate. The hinge includes a rotation axis module having a rotation axis. A first slider is connected to the rotation axis and includes a first guide line. A second slider is connected to the support plate and includes a second guide line. A link arm includes a link arm body. The link arm body has a link arm rotation axis disposed at a first end of the link arm body and a link arm pin hole disposed at a second end of the link arm body. A link arm pin is configured to extend through the link arm pin hole, the first guide line and the second guide line.