Foldable Screen Hinge Lubrication Structure for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable-screen devices experience noise due to parts in the rotating shaft apparatus scraping against each other during folding and unfolding, leading to a poor user experience.

Innovation Solution

A rotating shaft apparatus with a lubrication structure having a low friction coefficient, such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyoxymethylene, is used to reduce noise by minimizing hard contact between moving parts, and a support system that includes secondary support members with cantilever segments and lubrication layers to facilitate smooth movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If parts in the rotating shaft apparatus move relative to each other during folding and unfolding, then the foldable-screen device achieves folding functionality, but noise is generated due to scraping between parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionalityVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a lubrication structure as an intermediary between the first cantilever segment and the first primary support member. This lubrication structure mediates the relative movement between these parts, reducing direct contact and friction, thereby minimizing noise generation while preserving the folding functionality of the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the friction parameter by introducing a lubrication structure with low friction coefficient between moving parts. This parameter change reduces the resistance during relative movement, allowing smooth folding operations with minimal noise, thus resolving the contradiction between functionality and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a lubrication structure is introduced to reduce noise, then noise is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a lubrication structure in the form of a thin film or coating applied to the cantilever segment or support member. This approach reduces noise effectively while adding minimal structural complexity, as the lubrication layer is thin and integrates seamlessly with existing components rather than requiring separate mechanical assemblies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 lubrication structure effectively reduces noise, enhancing user experience by preventing scraping and ensuring smooth operation of the foldable-screen device.

Implementation Method 1

The lubrication structure is disposed at least between at least a part of the first cantilever segment and the first primary support member... the surface friction coefficient of the lubrication structure may be 0.24, 0.23, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05, 0.02, 0.01... In this way, the surface friction coefficient of the lubrication structure is decreased to reduce noise

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The lubrication structure is disposed at least between at least a part of the first cantilever segment and the first primary support member... lubrication is performed between the at least a part of the first cantilever segment and the first primary support member by using the lubrication structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Data Source

PatentEP4390160B1Rotating shaft device, support system and folding screen apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 HONOR DEVICE CO LTD
  • EP4390160B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4390160B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4390160B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This application provides a rotating shaft apparatus. The rotating shaft apparatus includes a first primary support member, a second primary support member, a first secondary support member, and a lubrication structure. The first primary support member has a first support surface, the second primary support member has a second support surface, and the second primary support member can rotate relative to the first primary support member between an unfolded location and a folded location. The first secondary support member includes a first connection part and a first cantilever part, the first connection part is located on a side facing the second support surface and is connected to the second primary support member, the first cantilever part includes a first cantilever segment, and the first cantilever segment is located on a side facing the first support surface. The lubrication structure is disposed at least between at least a part of the first cantilever segment and the first primary support member. The rotating shaft apparatus provided in this application is configured to fold/unfold a foldable screen.