Folding Hinge Mechanism With Variable Bending Radius for Flexible Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding electronic devices with flexible screens face issues of damage during folding due to excessive extrusion or over-pulling, leading to a short service life for the flexible screen.
Innovation Solution
A folding mechanism that includes a first rotating shaft, a second rotating shaft, first and second gears, connecting portions, and an elastic connector, which adjusts the axis center distance between the rotating shafts to optimize the bending radius during folding, preventing damage to the flexible screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the bending radius at the hinge is small during folding in, then the device can be compactly folded, but it causes excessive extrusion and damage to the flexible screen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic bending radius adjustment mechanism where the hinge structure automatically varies the bending radius during the folding process. The mechanism includes a first rotating shaft, second rotating shaft, and elastic connector that work together to dynamically adjust the curvature of the flexible screen, ensuring the screen experiences optimal stress distribution throughout the folding motion rather than a fixed small radius.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of bending radius dynamically during operation. Through the meshed rotation of first and second gears mounted on rotating shafts, the axis center distance changes, which directly alters the bending radius of the flexible screen at different stages of folding, transforming a static parameter into a dynamic one to prevent damage.
2Area of moving object
If the bending radius at the hinge is excessive during folding out, then the device has larger opening space, but it causes over pulling and deformation or breaking of the flexible screen
Solution Approach 1:
The same dynamic adjustment mechanism that increases bending radius during folding in now decreases it during folding out. The elastic connector and meshed gears work in reverse, reducing the axis center distance and thereby reducing the bending radius to prevent over-pulling of the flexible screen during the unfolding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention reverses the parameter change direction during unfolding. The bending radius parameter is dynamically reduced during the folding out process through the reverse rotation of gears and shafts, transforming the excessive bending radius condition into a controlled, reduced radius that prevents screen deformation.
3Device complexity
If the axis center distance between rotating shafts is fixed, then the hinge structure is simple, but the flexible screen cannot adapt to different folding states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed axis center distance into a dynamic parameter through the introduction of an elastic connector and meshed gear system. The first and second rotating shafts, connected through elastic elements, can adjust their relative position dynamically, allowing the hinge to adapt to different folding states while maintaining a relatively compact base structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is segmented into multiple independent components: first rotating shaft, second rotating shaft, first gear, second gear, and elastic connector. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together to achieve the overall adaptability, with gears handling the adjustment mechanism and elastic connectors providing the necessary compliance.
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 mechanism allows for safe folding and unfolding of the electronic device by adjusting the bending radius, thereby extending the service life of the flexible screen by preventing creases, damage, and breakage.
Implementation Method 1
the first elastic connector is elongated or shortened with meshed rotation of the first gear and the second gear
Data Source
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AI summary
The application discloses a folding mechanism. A first connecting portion is connected to a first rotating shaft, a second connecting portion is connected to a second rotating shaft, both the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are rotatably connected to a first elastic connector, a first gear is mounted on the first rotating shaft, a second gear is mounted on the second rotating shaft, the first gear is meshed with the second gear, the first gear has a first distal edge and a first proximal edge, the second gear has a second distal edge and a second proximal edge, the first elastic connector may be elongated or shortened with meshed rotation of the first gear and the second gear, and the folding mechanism has a first state in which the first distal edge is meshed with the second distal edge, and a second state in which the first proximal edge is meshed with the second proximal edge. The application further discloses a folding electronic device.