Foldable Device Linkage Mechanism for Flexible Screen Yielding Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable electronic devices lack an effective mechanism to accommodate the flexible screen during folding, leading to inadequate space management and potential damage to the screen.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device with a linkage mechanism comprising a central body, driving shafts, wing rods, and connecting rods that pivotally connect to define a yielding space suitable for the flexible screen, allowing the screen to bend and unfold smoothly by sliding components within arc and sliding grooves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the conventional hinge module is omitted and four connecting rods are used to provide yielding space, then the device structure is simplified, but the flexible screen cannot be properly accommodated during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lifting plates movable rather than fixed. The first and second lifting plates are connected to driving shafts through wing rods and connecting rods, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions and angles. This dynamic structure enables the yielding space to adapt to the flexible screen's bending degree during folding, solving the problem of improper screen accommodation while maintaining simplified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses arc grooves on the driving shafts that guide the protruding ends of the wing rods. This curved geometric constraint ensures the lifting plates move along a circular arc path, creating a yielding space that naturally accommodates the curved shape of the bent flexible screen. The arc-shaped movement path matches the screen's bending geometry, providing proper accommodation without complex mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the lifting plates are made movable to accommodate the flexible screen, then the screen protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the lifting plates and their linkage mechanism. The lifting plates simultaneously serve to: (1) define the yielding space boundaries, (2) guide the flexible screen during folding, (3) transmit the folding motion from the driving shafts, and (4) maintain structural support. This functional integration achieves comprehensive screen protection without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the yielding space definition into multiple independent components: the stationary shell provides the outer boundary, while the first and second lifting plates independently adjust to accommodate the screen's bending. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, with the lifting plates focusing on dynamic adaptation while the shell provides stable structural support, optimizing the protection mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device includes a central body, a linkage unit, a plurality of operating mechanisms, and a plurality of panel bodies. The linkage unit includes a plurality of driving shafts. Each of the operating mechanism has a wing rod, a lifting plate, and a connecting rod. The wing rod is fixed to the lifting plate. The wing rod and the connecting rod pivotally connecting to the central body and the driving shaft respectively. When the panel bodies are in a folded status, a flexible screen is bent, and the wing rod, the lifting plate, and the central body collectively define a yielding space for accommodating a flexible section of the flexible section.