Foldable Electronic Device Hinge for Reducing Display Bending Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bending stress occurs in the area of the flexible display module corresponding to the folding portion of a foldable electronic device when transitioning from an unfolded to a folded state.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with a hinge module that includes a first part and a second part, connected by a first bracket, which allows for sliding motion to distribute force and reduce bending stress on the flexible display module during state changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hinge structure is used to connect housings, then the device can fold, but bending stress occurs in the flexible display module at the folding portion
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module is divided into a first part and a second part that can slide relative to each other along the flexible display module. This segmentation allows the hinge to distribute the folding force across multiple segments rather than concentrating stress at a single point, thereby reducing bending stress on the display module while maintaining folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module incorporates a sliding mechanism between the first part and second part, allowing dynamic adjustment of the hinge structure during folding. This dynamic configuration enables the hinge to adapt its geometry throughout the folding range, distributing forces more effectively and reducing peak bending stress on the flexible display module compared to static hinge designs.
2Device complexity
If the hinge structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but bending stress on the flexible display module increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hinge into first and second parts with a sliding connection, the structure achieves stress distribution without requiring complex mechanical assemblies. The segmented design provides force distribution benefits while maintaining relatively simple individual components, thus improving stress resistance without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible display module is made more flexible to enable folding, then folding capability improves, but the display area becomes more susceptible to buckling and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module is designed to preemptively distribute and cushion the folding forces before they can concentrate on the flexible display module. By positioning the sliding hinge structure to engage first during folding, it absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress, preventing direct transmission of high forces to the display module and thereby preventing buckling and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module acts as an intermediary structure between the housing components and the flexible display module. It mediates the mechanical forces generated during folding, providing a buffer that protects the display module from direct stress. The sliding mechanism in the hinge serves as a force-distributing intermediary that prevents harmful stress concentrations at the display module.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge module. The hinge module includes a first part with a first pin rail, a second part, a first bracket connected to the first part and the second part, and a first pin disposed at the second part and inserted into the first pin rail. The first part and the first bracket are slidable in a first linear direction, and the second part and the first bracket are slidable in a second linear direction. When the angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, the first part and the first bracket slide and the second part and the first bracket slide. When the angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, a force between the first part and the second part is transferred due to the first pin rail and the first pin.