Gear-Rack Hinge Module for Flexible Display Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible display devices face issues with the flexible display panel deviating from its original position due to mechanical design inadequacies, leading to creasing or falling off during bending and unfolding, which is not compatible with the flexible nature of the display.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module with a first and second hinge, each equipped with a gear, that moves relative to a gear rack, allowing the hinges to move closer or away from each other along a third axis orthogonal to their rotation axes, accommodating the flexible display's shape changes during bending and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the flexible display device uses a fixed mechanical structure for the hinge module, then the device mechanism can maintain stable positioning, but the flexible display panel will deviate from its original position, cause creasing or fall off during bending and unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module employs dynamic components including a movable first hinge and a movable second hinge that can adjust their positions along the gear rack. The first hinge connects to the gear rack via a first gear, and the second hinge connects via a second gear, allowing both hinges to move dynamically to accommodate the flexible display panel's shape changes during bending and unfolding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameters of the hinge components during operation. As the flexible display bends or unfolds, the first and second hinges move along the gear rack, changing their distances from each other and their positions relative to the display panel, thereby adapting to the varying geometric parameters of the flexible display in different states.
2Device complexity
If the first hinge and second hinge are fixed at a constant distance, then the mechanical structure is simple, but the hinge module cannot accommodate the shape changes of the flexible display during bending and unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module employs dynamic components including a movable first hinge and a movable second hinge that can adjust their positions along the gear rack. The first hinge connects to the gear rack via a first gear, and the second hinge connects via a second gear, allowing both hinges to move dynamically to accommodate the flexible display panel's shape changes during bending and unfolding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces movement along a third axis (the gear rack direction) in addition to the rotational movement around the first and second axes. This dimensional addition allows the hinges to adjust their spacing while maintaining rotational functionality, providing adaptability without excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If the hinge module allows the first hinge and second hinge to move closer or away from each other, then the flexible display can be properly supported during bending and unfolding, but the mechanical structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gear rack serves as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second hinges. By connecting both hinges to the same gear rack through their respective gears, the system enables coordinated movement of both hinges along the third axis, providing reliable support for the flexible display while using a standardized mechanical component to manage structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear rack performs multiple functions: it serves as a guide rail for hinge movement, a transmission mechanism for synchronized motion, and a structural support element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing overall system complexity while ensuring reliable display support.
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 hinge module stabilizes the flexible display by adjusting its spacing to match the display's deformation, preventing creasing or falling off by supporting the display in a flat state without interference.
Implementation Method 1
The first gear is movably coupled to the gear rack. The first hinge moves on the gear rack via rotation of the first gear, the second hinge moves on the gear rack via rotation of the second gear
Implementation Method 2
The first gear is coupled to a first gear rack and the second gear is coupled to a second gear rack
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A hinge module (140, 240) including a first hinge (141, 241) having a first gear (141a, 241a), a second hinge (142, 242) having a second gear (142a, 242a), and a gear rack (143, 243) is provided. The first and second gears (141a, 142a) are movably coupled to the gear rack (143, 243). The first hinge (141, 241) moves on the gear rack (143, 243) via rotation of the first gear (141a, 241a), the second hinge (142, 242) moves on the gear rack (143, 243) via rotation of the second gear (142a, 242a), and the first hinge (141, 241) and the second hinge (142, 242) move closer or away from each other via rotation. An electronic device (100) is also provided.