Foldable Phone Hinge With Variable Length Display Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable mobile terminals face issues with flexible displays being damaged due to compression or tension during folding, and existing hinges either create gaps or bulges that affect portability and integrity, while also accumulating dust and foreign matter.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design with symmetric first and second folding assemblies that rotate and slide, allowing the length to change during folding and unfolding, providing accommodation space without compressing the flexible display and maintaining a flat surface when unfolded, while concealing connection structures for improved integrity and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the hinge length does not change during folding, then the hinge structure is simple, but the flexible display is compressed and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge employs a dynamic length adjustment mechanism through the crank-slider institution. The connecting rod length changes during folding via the slider moving along the guiding groove, transforming the hinge from a static to a dynamic structure that adapts its length to prevent flexible display compression while maintaining structural simplicity
2Reliability
If the flexible display is slidably disposed on housing to prevent compression, then the flexible display is protected from damage, but hollow areas are formed that reduce screen-to-body ratio and accumulate impurities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flexible display from the traditional sliding configuration and repositions it within the hinge's accommodation space. By forming a closed triangular space with the hinge body and connecting rod, the display is contained within the hinge structure rather than sliding on the housing surface, eliminating hollow areas where impurities could accumulate
3Device complexity
If the hinge uses a single shaft for folding, then the hinge structure is simple, but sufficient deformation space cannot be provided for the flexible display causing creases or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into multiple functional components: hinge body, connecting rod, slider, and guiding groove. This segmentation allows the creation of a triangular accommodation space that provides sufficient deformation room for the flexible display during folding, while maintaining relative structural simplicity through modular design
4Reliability
If the hinge folding assembly bulges outward during folding, then the flexible display has accommodation space, but the overall thickness of the mobile terminal increases and portability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display is nested within the hinge's internal accommodation space formed by the hinge body and connecting rod. The triangular space created by this configuration accommodates the display during folding without causing external bulging, allowing the hinge to maintain a compact profile that preserves mobile terminal portability
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge and a mobile terminal to resolve poor use effect of a foldable electronic device. The hinge includes a main body, and a first folding assembly and a second folding assembly that are symmetrically disposed along the main body. When the first folding assembly and the second folding assembly are rotated toward each other, a length of the hinge can be extended, and an accommodation space for accommodating the flexible display can be formed. When the first folding assembly and the second folding assembly are rotated away from each other, the length of the hinge can be reduced, and a support surface for supporting the flexible display can be formed, so that the flexible display cannot be stretched, compressed, or the like during folding and unfolding, thereby improving the use effect and safety of the mobile terminal.