Folding Device Hinge Mechanism Reduces Screen Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing portable electronic devices with flexible screens face damage due to excessive external forces during folding, as the hinge structures directly squeeze the screen, leading to elastic fatigue and potential damage over time.

Innovation Solution

A folding-type electronic device with two slidable bearing plates and an elastic cover that adjusts the position of the flexible screen during folding, using synchronous gears to distribute forces and reduce bending deformation, thereby preventing stress concentration and enhancing durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible screen is directly folded by the hinge structure, then the folding function is achieved, but the screen withstands excessive external force and is prone to elastic fatigue or damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding functionVSAvoidscreen durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces bearing plates as intermediary components between the hinge structure and the flexible screen. These bearing plates slide relative to each other during folding, acting as a mediator that prevents direct contact and force transmission from the hinge to the screen, thereby reducing stress concentration and elastic fatigue on the screen while enabling the folding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the screen size is increased, then the display capability is improved, but the portability advantage is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen sizeVSAvoidportability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic folding mechanism where bearing plates slide relative to each other along guidance structures during the folding process. This dynamic adjustment allows the device to transition between expanded (large screen) and folded (portable) states, enabling large screen size while maintaining portability through the movable bearing plate system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively reduces the amount of bending deformation and stress concentration on the flexible screen, improving its durability and preventing damage from external forces during the folding process.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of first synchronous gears are pivoted to the first housing, and each of the first synchronous gears is engaged with each of the first racks and second racks. The plurality of second synchronous gears are pivoted to the second housing, and each of the second synchronous gears is engaged with each of the first racks and second racks.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS11262793B2Folding-type electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.03.01 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC
  • US11262793B2 patent drawing
  • US11262793B2 patent drawing
  • US11262793B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A folding-type electronic device including a first housing, a second housing, at least one hinge structure, an elastic cover, two bearing plates, a flexible screen, first synchronous gears, and second synchronous gears is provided. The first housing and the second housing are symmetrical to a centerline. The hinge structure is respectively connected to the first housing and the second housing, and the centerline passes through the hinge structure. The elastic cover is slidably disposed between the hinge structure and the first housing and the second housing and has first racks. The bearing plates have second racks. The flexible screen is disposed on the bearing plates. Each first and second synchronous gear is respectively pivoted to the first and second housings. Each first and second synchronous gear is engaged with each corresponding first and second rack.