Foldable Housing Gear Hinge for Simpler Flexible Screen Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible display screens are supported by complex hinges with multiple links and rotation shafts, leading to high manufacturing costs and structural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A rotating device with a simple structure comprising pairs of rotation assemblies and a gear assembly, where rotation shafts are virtual and located outside the assembly, allowing synchronous folding and unfolding of frame bodies through a gear mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional hinges with multiple links and rotation shafts are used to support flexible display screens, then the folding function is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the traditional hinge mechanism with multiple links and rotation shafts, replacing it with a simplified support structure where the flexible display screen is directly supported by a housing with a virtual rotation axis, removing unnecessary mechanical components while maintaining the folding function
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines the virtual rotation axis, and enables the folding motion, replacing the specialized hinge components that traditionally performed these separate functions
2Ease of operation
If traditional hinges with multiple components are used, then the folding mechanism is achieved, but the number of parts increases and assembly becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple hinge components (links, rotation shafts, support structures) into a single integrated housing structure, reducing the number of discrete parts and simplifying the assembly process while maintaining the folding mechanism
3Reliability
If rotation shafts are positioned inside the rotation assembly, then the mechanical connection is strong, but the flexible screen suffers more damage during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual rotation axis as an intermediary concept, positioning the rotation axis outside the physical assembly on the neutral layer of the flexible screen, thereby eliminating the need for physical rotation shafts that would contact and potentially damage the screen during folding operations
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
Facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, reduces production costs, and minimizes damage to flexible screens by positioning rotation shafts on the neutral layer, enhancing folding resistance and durability.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating rack is provided with a driving gear engaging with the gear assembly. The rotating racks of one pair of rotation assemblies are synchronously rotatable by rotating the rotating rack relative to a corresponding support frame; driving, by the rotation of the rotating rack, a corresponding driving gear to rotate; and further rotating, by the rotation of the corresponding driving gear, the gear assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a rotating device (25), a housing (20) provided with the rotating device (25), and an electronic device (100). The electronic device (100) includes a flexible screen (30) and the housing (20). The flexible screen (30) is arranged on the housing (20). The housing (20) includes a first frame body (21), a second frame body (23), and the rotating device (25). The rotating device (25) is connected between the first frame body (21) and the second frame body (23). The rotating device (25) is configured to fold or unfold the first frame body (21) and the second frame body (23). The rotating device (25) includes at least one pair of rotation assemblies (250), and a gear assembly (256) located between the at least one pair of rotation assemblies (250). Each rotation assembly (250) includes a support frame (251) and a rotating rack (253) rotatably connected to the support frame (251). The rotating rack (253) is provided with a driving gear (2570) engaging with the gear assembly (256). The rotating racks (253) of one pair of rotation assemblies (250) are synchronously rotatable by rotating the rotating rack (253) relative to a corresponding support frame (251) to rotate a corresponding driving gear (2570), and further rotating the gear assembly (256) by the corresponding driving gear (2570).