Flexible Display Suspensions for Controlled Hinge Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays in computing devices are prone to damage when excessively deformed during transitions between open and closed positions, such as when a laptop is folded, due to limitations in their deformation capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a suspension system within the computing device that includes elongate members and linking arms to synchronize the movement of the display ends with the rotation of the housing members, ensuring controlled and uniform deformation of the flexible display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible display is deformed during transitions between open and closed positions, then the computing device can be folded or rolled, but the display sustains damage due to excessive deformation
Solution Approach 1:
A suspension system with elongate members and linking arms is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the display and housing members. This mediator synchronizes the movement of display ends with housing rotation, ensuring the display deforms within safe curvature limits while enabling foldable functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system dynamically adjusts the position of display ends during housing transitions. The elongate members and linking arms create a mechanical linkage that automatically controls deformation rates and ensures uniform movement, adapting to different transition speeds and angles
2Ease of operation
If the flexible display is deformed to a minimum radius of curvature, then the display can be folded, but the display sustains damage when deformed beyond this limit
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system preliminarily controls the deformation path of the display before excessive curvature is reached. By synchronizing display end movement with housing rotation through the elongate members, the system prevents the display from ever reaching damaging curvature levels
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical linkage of the suspension system provides passive feedback control. As the housing rotates, the linking arms and elongate members automatically adjust to maintain proper display curvature, creating a self-regulating system that prevents over-deformation
3Productivity
If the housing members rotate between open and closed positions, then the computing device transitions states, but the display experiences non-uniform movement and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system segments the display into multiple supported regions through elongate members positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each section to move uniformly, preventing localized stress concentrations and ensuring even deformation across the entire display surface
Solution Approach 2:
The linking arms act as intermediaries that translate housing rotation into synchronized display end movement. This mechanical mediation ensures that both ends of the display move uniformly during transitions, maintaining deformation consistency regardless of transition speed
Data Source
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AI summary
Example computing devices are disclosed that include a first housing member rotatably coupled to a second housing member at a hinge. In addition, the computing devices include a display including first and second ends disposed on first and second sides of the hinge, respectively. Further, the computing devices include a suspension including an elongate member coupled to the hinge and the first end of the display. The second housing member is to rotate about an axis of the hinge relative to the first housing member to actuate the elongate member relative to the hinge, and the elongate member is to actuate relative to the hinge to translate the first end of the display relative to the first housing member.