Foldable Screen Hinge Gear Assembly for Low-Complexity Synchronous Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hinges for foldable screens have complex structures and high manufacturing costs due to multiple links and rotation shafts, making them inefficient and costly to produce.

Innovation Solution

A rotating device with a simple structure comprising pairs of rotation combinations and a gear combination, where each rotation combination includes a support frame, a rotating rack, and a connecting rod with a driving gear, allowing synchronous rotation and folding/unfolding of the screen's frame bodies, reducing assembly time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional hinges with multiple links and rotation shafts are used, then the folding function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge structureVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is divided into multiple independent rotation combinations, each consisting of a rotating rack, connecting rod, and driving gear. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately with standardized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the folding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple rotation combinations are merged into a single integrated hinge assembly that works synchronously through the gear combination. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed compared to conventional hinges, simplifying the overall structure and reducing manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If conventional hinges with damping mechanisms are used, then the folding function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge structureVSAvoidfolding function
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The damping function is integrated into the rotation combinations themselves through the interaction between rotating racks and support frames, eliminating the need for separate damping mechanisms. Each rotation combination self-regulates the folding motion, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining reliable folding functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If multiple links and rotation shafts are used in hinges, then the folding mechanism works, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly timeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is segmented into modular rotation combinations that can be pre-assembled and tested independently, then quickly installed into the final device. This modular approach significantly reduces assembly time compared to conventional hinges where all components must be assembled in a complex sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each rotation combination serves multiple functions: providing rotation, damping, and synchronous motion control through the gear mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, thereby reducing assembly time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 rotating device facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, reduces production costs, and improves folding resistance while preventing damage to the flexible screen, enabling convenient and efficient folding/unfolding of electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

a driving gear configured to engage with the gear combination and is rotatably connected to the support frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3910919B1Rotating device, housing, and electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.08.30 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3910919B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3910919B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3910919B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an electronic device including a flexible screen and a housing. The flexible screen is arranged on the housing. The housing includes a first frame body, a second frame body, and a rotating device. The rotating device is connected between the first frame body and the second frame body. The rotating device includes at least one pair of rotation combinations, and a gear combination located between the at least one pair of rotation combinations. Each rotation combination includes a support frame, a rotating rack, and a connecting rod. One end of the connecting rod is movably connected to the rotating rack, and the other end of the connecting rod is provided with a driving gear configured to engage with the gear combination and is rotatably connected to the support frame. The rotating racks of one pair of rotation combinations are synchronously rotatable by rotating at least one rotating rack of the rotating racks relative to at least one corresponding support frame to rotate at least one corresponding connecting rod, and rotating, by the rotation of the at least one corresponding connecting rod, at least one corresponding driving gear of the at least one corresponding connecting rod, and further driving, by the rotation of the at least one corresponding driving gear, the gear combination to rotate. Further provided are a rotating device and a housing provided with the rotating device.