Foldable Hinge Gear Mechanism for Variable Screen Bending Radius
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding electronic devices with flexible screens face issues of damage due to excessive bending radius during folding, leading to a shortened service life.
Innovation Solution
A folding mechanism with a first and second rotating shaft, gears, and elastic connectors that adjust the bending radius by meshing edges of the gears to accommodate different folding states, ensuring the flexible screen is protected from creasing or over-pulling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the bending radius at the hinge is small during folding, then the device can be compactly folded, but it causes crease or damage to the flexible screen by excessive extrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure dynamically adjusts the bending radius during the folding process. The mechanism transitions from a fixed bending radius to a variable bending radius that changes throughout the folding motion, allowing the screen to experience optimal bending conditions at different stages of folding rather than a constant small radius throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bending radius parameter from a constant value to a variable value that evolves during folding. By controlling the hinge mechanism, the bending radius is adjusted to remain within a safe range that prevents screen damage while still achieving compact folding.
2Length of moving object
If the bending radius at the hinge is excessive during unfolding, then the device can be fully extended, but it causes over pulling and deformation or breaking of the flexible screen
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism dynamically controls the bending radius during unfolding to prevent excessive values. The bending radius is adjusted in real-time based on the folding/unfolding state, ensuring it remains within the safe range that prevents screen over-pulling and deformation while still allowing full extension of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by making the bending radius a variable that adapts during the unfolding process. The bending radius is controlled to increase gradually and stay within optimal limits, preventing the excessive bending radius that would cause screen damage while maintaining the ability to fully extend the device.
3Device complexity
If a fixed hinge structure is used, then the mechanism is simple, but the flexible screen is easily damaged during folding resulting in short service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static hinge structure into a dynamic one that can adjust the bending radius during operation. This dynamic capability, while increasing structural complexity, is necessary to protect the flexible screen from damage and extend its service life by ensuring the bending radius remains within safe limits throughout the folding cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure incorporates parameter changes by making the bending radius variable rather than fixed. This allows the mechanism to adapt to different folding states and maintain the bending radius within optimal ranges, thereby protecting the screen and improving reliability despite the increased structural complexity.
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 mechanism prevents damage to the flexible screen by adjusting the bending radius, extending or compressing the elastic connectors to maintain optimal folding conditions, thereby prolonging the screen's service life.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic connector is elongated or shortened with meshed rotation of the first gear and the second gear
Data Source
AI summary
A folding mechanism is disclosed. A first connecting portion is connected to a first rotating shaft, a second connecting portion is connected to a second rotating shaft, the first and second rotating shaft are rotatably connected to a first elastic connector, a first gear is mounted on the first rotating shaft, a second gear is mounted on the second rotating shaft and meshed with the first gear, the first gear has a first distal edge and a first proximal edge, the second gear has a second distal edge and a second proximal edge, the first elastic connector is elongated or shortened with meshed rotation of the first gear and the second gear, and the folding mechanism has a first state in which the first distal edge is meshed with the second distal edge, and a second state in which the first proximal edge is meshed with the second proximal edge.