Foldable Hinge Assembly With Guided Plates for Display Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The difference in rotational trajectories of plural rotates and hinge plates in foldable electronic devices causes buckling in the folding region of the flexible display module, compromising operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A hinge apparatus with a bracket, first and second rotates, and hinge plates connected via rotation guide members, allowing the hinge plates to move in a straight line relative to the rotates, compensating for differing rotation axes and enhancing fastening rigidity through separate fixing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rotation axes of the rotates and hinge plates are made different to enable folding motion, then the folding functionality is achieved, but the rotational trajectories differ causing buckling in the flexible display
Solution Approach 1:
A rotation guide member is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotate and the hinge plate. This guide member has a guide groove that constrains the hinge plate to move along a predetermined rotational trajectory, ensuring that even though the rotation axes differ, the hinge plate follows the correct path to prevent display buckling while maintaining folding functionality
2Strength
If separate fixing members are used to connect hinge plates and rotates, then fastening rigidity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation guide member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a rotational guide with guide grooves and as a fixing member that connects the rotate to the hinge plate. By merging the guiding function and the fastening function into a single integrated component, the structure achieves high fastening rigidity without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An electronic device according to an embodiment disclosed herein comprises: a first housing; a second housing; and a hinge apparatus connecting the first housing and the second housing so that the first housing and the second housing can be folded about a folding axis. The hinge apparatus includes: a bracket; a first rotator that is fastened to the bracket and rotates relative to the bracket about a first rotation axis; a second rotator that is fastened to the bracket and rotates relative to the bracket about a second rotation axis; a first rotation guide member fixed to the first housing; a second rotation guide member fixed to the second housing; a first hinge plate which is disposed on the first rotation guide member so as to be movable about the folding axis and rotates relative to the first rotation guide member about a third rotation axis; and a second hinge plate which is disposed on the second rotation guide member so as to be movable about the folding axis and rotates relative to the second rotation guide member about the fourth rotation axis.