Hinge Assembly for Flat Foldable Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable display devices experience a humping effect in the middle portion of the flexible display when the device is spread, leading to an uneven surface, poor user experience, and reduced display lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with symmetrical first and second hinge members, each comprising main and subordinate axles, gears, and sliding units that allow the plate members to move in reverse directions, ensuring the flexible display forms a flat surface when the device is fully spread by spacing the sides appropriately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first plate member and second plate member are pivotally connected and spread to form a surface, then the device can be used in a spread state, but the middle portion of the flexible display member humps causing an uneven surface
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly incorporates sliding units that enable dynamic adjustment of the distance between the first plate member and second plate member. During the spreading process, the plate members slide apart to maintain a consistent gap, preventing the flexible display member from humping while preserving the spread state functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spatial parameter (distance) between the plate members during the spreading motion. By controlling the plate members to slide and maintain a predetermined distance, the system ensures the flexible display member remains flat throughout the transition to the spread state
2Device complexity
If conventional hinge structures are used, then the device structure is simple, but the flexible display member cannot maintain a flat surface when spread
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into distinct functional components: main arms, subordinate arms, sliding units, and gears. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function, with the sliding units specifically designed to control the distance between plate members and prevent display humping
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding units act as intermediary elements between the main arms and subordinate arms. These intermediaries enable the plate members to move independently while maintaining the required distance, thus preventing the flexible display member from humping during the spreading motion
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display device includes a first plate member, a second plate member, a hinge assembly, and a flexible display member. The first plate member includes a first display surface and a first side. The second plate member includes a second display surface and a second side. The first side and the second side are close to each other. A first hinge member and a second hinge member of the hinge assembly are respectively connected to the first plate member and the second plate member. The flexible display member includes a first portion, a second portion, and a middle portion. The first portion contacts the first display surface. The second portion contacts the second display surface. The middle portion is between the first side and the second side. The first and second hinge members rotate relatively to have the flexible display member spread to be flat.