Foldable Housing Hinge With Synchronized Gear-Rack Rotation
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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 rotating racks engage with driving gears to synchronize the folding or unfolding of frame bodies, using virtual shafts to minimize stress on the flexible screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
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 rotating device is divided into multiple independent rotation assemblies, each comprising a rotating rack and support frame. This segmentation allows each module to perform the folding function independently while maintaining overall system simplicity, avoiding the need for complex multi-link hinges.
Solution Approach 2:
A gear assembly is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the rotation assemblies to coordinate their motion. The gear assembly includes transmission gears that engage with driving gears on the rotating racks, enabling synchronized rotation without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
2Ease of operation
If traditional hinges with multiple components are used, then folding support is provided, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated assemblies. The rotating rack combines the functions of the rotating element and the gear carrier, while the support frame integrates multiple structural support functions. This merging reduces the total number of separate components and assembly steps, thereby lowering manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, easily manufacturable components such as standard gears and basic frame structures that can be produced through conventional manufacturing processes. These components are designed for ease of fabrication rather than using expensive specialized parts, reducing overall manufacturing cost.
3Ease of operation
If rotation shafts are placed directly on the flexible screen, then folding is enabled, but stress concentration may damage the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating rack serves as an intermediary between the flexible screen and the rotation shaft. The rack engages with the screen through a neutral layer connection that distributes stress, while the actual rotation occurs in the rack itself rather than directly on the screen, thereby protecting the screen from stress concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation shaft is positioned outside the flexible screen structure, and the rotating rack is designed to rotate around this external shaft. This changes the geometric parameters of the folding mechanism, moving the rotation axis away from the screen's stress-critical areas and reducing mechanical stress on the display.
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 prevents damage to the flexible screen by locating rotation shafts on its neutral layer, ensuring smooth folding and unfolding with reduced material usage.
Implementation Method 1
The gear assembly includes at least one pair of transmission gears engaging with each other, one pair of transmission gears among the at least one pair of transmission gears respectively engaging with the driving gears of the rotating racks
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).