Hinge Device for Foldable Displays with Curved Guiding Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in reducing overall thickness and achieving smaller curvature when folded, due to the limitations of conventional pivoting connections and two-axes rotating shafts/hinges.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device utilizing semi-circular/arched rotating members that share a common external rotating center, with movable plates and curved guiding channels to reduce thickness and curvature, replacing conventional two-axes rotating shafts/hinges, and incorporating elastic pieces for protection and modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional pivoting connections with two-axes rotating shafts/hinges are used, then the hinge device can achieve foldable functionality, but the overall thickness increases and the curvature when folded becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is divided into multiple rotating members (first rotating member, second rotating member, third rotating member) that can independently rotate relative to each other. Each rotating member has a specific function: the first and second rotating members provide primary rotation, while the third rotating member enables additional degrees of freedom. This segmentation allows the system to achieve foldable functionality with reduced thickness and curvature compared to conventional two-axes hinges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third rotating member that rotates about an axis different from the first and second rotating members, adding another dimension of rotation. This multi-dimensional rotation capability allows the hinge device to achieve compact folding with smaller curvature radius, solving the limitation of conventional two-axes hinges that require larger clearance distances between axes.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional two-axes rotating shafts/hinges are used, then the hinge device can support the flexible display panel, but the distance between the two axes requires clearance for other structures
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge device is divided into multiple rotating members (first rotating member, second rotating member, third rotating member) that can independently rotate relative to each other. Each rotating member has a specific function: the first and second rotating members provide primary rotation, while the third rotating member enables additional degrees of freedom. This segmentation allows the system to achieve foldable functionality with reduced thickness and curvature compared to conventional two-axes hinges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third rotating member that rotates about an axis different from the first and second rotating members, adding another dimension of rotation. This multi-dimensional rotation capability allows the hinge device to achieve compact folding with smaller curvature radius, solving the limitation of conventional two-axes hinges that require larger clearance distances between axes.
3Shape
If the hinge device is designed to reduce overall thickness, then the curvature of the flexible display device can be reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved guiding channels in the rotating members that guide the movement of connection portions along curved paths. This curved geometry allows the flexible display panel to fold with a smaller curvature radius, achieving the desired compact shape. The curved channels are integrated into the rotating members, so the curvature function is built into the structure itself rather than requiring separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components. The rotating members simultaneously provide rotation capability, structural support, and curved guiding paths for the flexible display panel. The connection portions are integrated with the rotating members, eliminating the need for separate pivoting mechanisms. This merging of functions reduces the number of discrete components while achieving the desired curvature reduction.
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 solution effectively reduces the overall thickness and curvature of the flexible display device, enhances protection of internal components, and provides a stable and flexible design for foldable electronic devices by using semi-circular rotating members and elastic pieces, while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic piece 60 is positioned at the middle of the three rotating members
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a hinge device, comprising two rotating members and two movable plates. Each of the rotating members includes a hinge portion and seat body, and each hinge portion has a curved guiding channel and a restoring member, and each hinge portion shares a rotating center so as to be rotated with each other, thereby the first and second rotating members are folded or unfolded. A first movable plate and a second movable plate is symmetrically provided, and each plate leg is guided into the corresponding seat body and the arc segment of each plate leg is located in each curved guiding channel to be moved, and the free end of each plate leg is contacted with each restoring member. When being unfolded, each movable plate is respectively lifted up to be aligned with each other by each hinge portion, and each restoring members is respectively pushed by the respective plate leg to accumulate force. When being unfolded, the hinge portion of each rotating member is respectively separated from each movable plate to release each restoring member to push the respective plate leg to move respectively, causing each movable plate to be unfolded and forms an accommodation space there between.