Foldable Screen Hinge Structure for Flat Unfolding and Compact Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices with flexible screens face issues such as damage to the bendable area when folded or failure to fully flatten when unfolded, and existing linkage structures increase the overall thickness by requiring significant movement of internal components.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design featuring a central base with inner arc-shaped slideways, pivot modules, transmission members, and elastic modules that allow the flexible screen to unfold flat and fold without increasing thickness, using synchronized rotation and sliding mechanisms to create an accommodating space for the bendable area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If internal components of the linkage structure move a long distance to provide sufficient accommodating space, then the accommodating space is large enough, but the overall thickness of the housing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs arc-shaped slideways and arc-shaped sliders instead of linear movements. The first and second inner arc-shaped slideways guide the first and second inner arc-shaped sliders along curved paths, enabling the wing members to pivot and create accommodating space through rotational motion rather than linear translation. This curvature-based mechanism achieves the required accommodating volume without increasing the linear thickness of the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional linear movement to two-dimensional arc-shaped movement. By guiding components along arc-shaped trajectories in the slideways, the mechanism creates accommodating space through combined radial and tangential movements, effectively utilizing angular displacement to achieve volume change without increasing the third dimension (thickness).
2Volume of moving object
If the flexible screen is folded without proper support, then the device can be compact, but the bendable area may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary support actions by positioning the first and second drop plates and the central base to jointly support the bendable area before the folding action completes. The linkage structure is designed to maintain support contact throughout the folding process, ensuring the flexible screen is never left unsupported during the transition to compact state.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic modules are pre-installed in the linkage structure to provide cushioning protection. These elastic components absorb impact forces and provide gentle support during the folding process, preventing sudden movements that could damage the flexible screen while enabling compact folding.
3Device complexity
If the flexible screen is not well supported, then the structure is simpler, but the flexible screen may not be completely flattened when unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple support functions into an integrated linkage structure. The first and second wing members, connected through the central base and drop plates, work together as a unified mechanism to simultaneously support and flatten the flexible screen. This combined structure achieves complete flattening without requiring separate complex support systems for each panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage structure serves multiple functions: it provides support during folding, creates accommodating space, and ensures complete flattening when unfolded. The arc-shaped slideways and pivoting mechanisms perform both the support function and the shaping function, eliminating the need for separate dedicated support structures.
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 design effectively supports the flexible screen in both unfolded and folded states, preventing damage and maintaining a compact form factor without increasing device thickness.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic module (C), wherein the elastic module (C) includes a pushing member (C1), and the pushing member (C1) is slidably sleeved on the first shaft (21) and the second shaft (22)
Implementation Method 2
the first inner arc-shaped slider (32) slidably disposed on the first inner arc-shaped slideway (12)
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device is provided and includes a central base, a pivot module, two wing members, two transmission members, two panel bodies, two drop plates, a synchronization module, an elastic module and a flexible screen. The pivot module is provided on the central base. The wing members are pivoted relative to the central base. The transmission members are connected to the pivot module, the synchronization module and the elastic module. The panel bodies are connected to the wing members and the transmission members. The drop plates are connected to the wing members and the panel bodies. The synchronization module drives the transmission members to reverse synchronously. The elastic module is connected to the pivot module. The flexible screen is provided on the central base, the panel bodies and the drop plates and includes a bendable area.