Foldable Display Support Hinge for Flat Opening at Wide Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable devices with flexible displays face challenges in accommodating curved portions during folding, leading to potential damage and distortion when unfolded at obtuse angles, as existing solutions do not effectively support the flexible display to maintain a flat state while folding and unfolding.
Innovation Solution
A foldable device design incorporating a hinge shaft system with support portions and a restriction unit that allows the flexible display to be partially supported and bent into a curved receiving space during folding, and maintained flat during unfolding, using a combination of guide pins, slots, and cam mechanisms to manage the display's curvature and path differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flexible display is sharply bent during folding, then the device can be compacted to a smaller size, but the flexible display may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming a curved portion at the center of the flexible display before folding occurs. This curved portion is created during manufacturing with a specific radius of curvature that prevents sharp bending during subsequent folding operations. The curved portion acts as a pre-prepared protective feature that ensures the display can be folded compactly without damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the flexible display by introducing a curved portion with a specific radius of curvature. This parameter change transforms the flat display into one with a predetermined curvature that allows safe folding. The radius of curvature is carefully selected to balance compactness when folded with protection against damage, resolving the contradiction between small folded size and display integrity.
2Area of moving object
If the flexible display is arranged to cross over the foldable structure, then a large screen is provided, but the display cannot be maintained flat when unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flexible display into three distinct portions: a first portion, a second portion, and a curved portion in between. The curved portion is specifically positioned at the center and acts as a dedicated element that allows the first and second portions to be arranged on opposite sides of the foldable structure. This segmentation enables large screen area while managing the shape issue by isolating the curvature to a specific segment rather than the entire display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a curved portion only at the center of the flexible display rather than making the entire display curved. This localized curvature allows the display to cross over the foldable structure and maintain large screen area, while the rest of the display portions can remain relatively flat for proper positioning on the device bodies.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the foldable device unfolds at an obtuse angle, then the device provides flexibility in positioning, but screen distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-forming the curved portion during manufacturing, which establishes a controlled geometric relationship between the first and second display portions. This pre-established curvature ensures that even when the device unfolds at various angles including obtuse angles, the display maintains proper alignment and avoids distortion. The preliminary curved structure acts as a mechanical guide that preserves display quality across different unfolding positions.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable device includes a flexible display including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion; a body including a first support portion which supports the first portion of the flexible display, a second support portion which supports the second portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion which supports the third portion of the flexible display; a hinge including a first rotation axis which connects the first support portion to the third support portion, and a second rotation axis which connects the second support portion to the third support portion; and at least one slot hole which shifts the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis along an inner surface of the at least one slot hole when the first support portion and the second support portion rotate.