Foldable Hinge Stopper for Flat Flexible Display Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable electronic devices cannot maintain the unfolded state during use, leading to poor flatness of the flexible display and potential creasing.
Innovation Solution
A foldable apparatus with a rotating assembly and a stopper mechanism that allows the device to be locked in the unfolded state, preventing further rotation and maintaining flatness of the flexible display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the first rotating arm and the second rotating arm are allowed to rotate freely opposite to each other, then the foldable apparatus can transition between folded and unfolded states, but the flexible display cannot be maintained in a flat unfolded state and may develop creases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is pre-positioned to abut against the rotating assembly at a specific location, creating a preliminary counter-action that prevents the rotating arms from rotating beyond the unfolded state. This anti-action occurs before excessive rotation can damage the flexible display, maintaining the display in a flat state without creases while still allowing full folding and unfolding transitions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the stopper is positioned to restrict rotation in the unfolded state, then the flexible display maintains flatness and avoids creasing, but the rotating arms cannot rotate beyond the unfolded state
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is positioned at a specific location on the rotating assembly rather than restricting rotation uniformly throughout the entire range. This localized positioning allows the rotating arms to achieve the full 180-degree unfolded state for normal operation, while preventing any further rotation beyond this point. The stopper creates a position-specific constraint that maintains display flatness without unnecessarily limiting the functional rotation range.
3Ease of operation
If no stopper is used, then the rotating arms can rotate freely, but the flexible display is subjected to pulling forces that reduce its service life
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper acts as a protective cushioning element positioned in advance to prevent excessive rotation. By abutting against the rotating assembly at the unfolded state position, the stopper cushions and limits the rotation before any pulling forces can be transmitted to the flexible display. This beforehand protection mechanism prevents damage accumulation and extends the service life of the display while maintaining ease of operation for normal folding and unfolding.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable apparatus and an electronic device are provided. The foldable apparatus includes a fastened piece and a rotating assembly. The rotating assembly includes a first rotating arm and a second rotating arm that are arranged on two sides of the fastened piece in a width direction of the foldable apparatus, and the first rotating arm and the second rotating arm can rotate relative to the fastened piece, to enable the foldable apparatus to be in a folded state or an unfolded state. The foldable apparatus further includes a stopper, and the stopper is fastened to the fastened piece or connected to the fastened piece in a position-limiting manner.