Foldable Device Hinge Structure for Flexible Circuit Board Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges for flexible electronic devices cause stress and potential damage to the flexible circuit board when the device is closed, due to the difference in distance between the inboard and outboard side edges of the lateral support plates.
Innovation Solution
The hinge design includes a fixed seat, rotating units, lateral support plates, and a center support plate, where the lateral support plates have a central notch and the center support plate is movable to abut against the fixed seat in the closed state, creating a leeway space to accommodate the flexible circuit board and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the lateral support plates are designed with a larger distance between inboard side edges than outboard side edges in the closed state, then the hinge structure provides better support for the flexible display, but the flexible circuit board is stretched and pulled and may be broken
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into three segments: two lateral support plates and one center support plate. The center support plate is positioned between the lateral support plates to provide additional support in the center region, allowing the lateral support plates to maintain their spreading configuration without over-stretching the flexible circuit board. This segmentation enables distributed support that reduces stress concentration on any single area of the circuit board.
Solution Approach 2:
The center support plate acts as an intermediary element between the two lateral support plates. It mediates the support function by providing a central support point that reduces the direct stretching force on the flexible circuit board. The center support plate absorbs some of the mechanical stress and distributes it, preventing the circuit board from being pulled too tightly while still maintaining adequate display support.
2Device complexity
If the lateral support plates are positioned close together in the open state, then the hinge has a compact structure, but the flexible circuit board has insufficient space and may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The support plates are designed with non-uniform spacing characteristics: in the open state, the lateral support plates are positioned close together for compactness, while in the closed state, they spread apart to create space. The center support plate provides localized support in the center region, ensuring that the flexible circuit board has adequate space where needed while maintaining overall structural compactness. This local quality variation allows the structure to meet different spatial requirements in different operational states.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge is connectable with two housing shells for permitting relative opening and closing of the housing shells, and includes a fixed seat, at least two rotating units, two lateral support plates and a center support plate. The rotating units are disposed at two sides of a centerline of the fixed seat and are connectable with the housing shells. The rotating units are shiftable between an open state and a closed state. Each rotating unit includes a linking member arcuately slidable on the fixed seat. The lateral support plates are mounted on the linking members, and have central notches. The center support plate is movably disposed on the fixed seat and is moved with the rotating units. In the open state, the center support plate is disposed in the central notches. In the closed state, the center support plate abuts against the fixed seat.