Hinge Guide Recess for Foldable Display Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in preventing interference between the support plate and other structures, leading to potential damage of the display panel and increased thickness of the device.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a hinge structure with a rotary shaft assembly, arm structures, and a guide member with a recessed area to accommodate the display panel, allowing for smooth folding and unfolding without interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support plate with predetermined stiffness is used to support the display panel, then the display panel can be supported properly, but the device thickness increases and the support plate may collide with other structures during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can change its shape and stiffness characteristics. The bending portions allow the support plate to deform elastically during folding operations, adapting its configuration to accommodate the folding motion while maintaining support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is divided into multiple regions with different properties: rigid portions for structural support and bending portions for flexibility. This segmentation allows different parts of the support plate to perform different functions - the rigid portions maintain structural integrity while the bending portions enable deformation during folding.
2Reliability
If a support plate with predetermined stiffness is used to support the display panel, then the display panel can be supported properly, but collision and interference between the support plate and other structures occur during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate's ability to dynamically deform through its bending portions allows it to navigate around obstacles and other structures during folding operations, preventing collisions while maintaining continuous support for the display panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate changes its physical parameters (shape, curvature, local stiffness) during folding operations. The bending portions alter the plate's geometric parameters dynamically, allowing it to conform to the folding motion and avoid interference with other device structures.
3Ease of operation
If empty space is formed under the display panel to ensure rotation radius, then the support plate can rotate without collision, but the display panel becomes more vulnerable to damage and device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring fixed empty space for rotation, the support plate dynamically adapts its shape during rotation through its bending portions. This eliminates the need for large empty spaces while maintaining rotation capability and reducing display panel vulnerability by providing continuous support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate utilizes out-of-plane deformation through its bending portions to accommodate rotation requirements. By deforming in the thickness dimension, the support plate achieves the necessary rotation radius without creating large empty spaces that would increase device thickness and vulnerability.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable electronic device is provided having a foldable housing, a flexible display, and a hinge structure. The hinge structure includes a hinge cover, a rotary shaft assembly substantially accommodated in the hinge cover under the flexible display, and including a first rotary shaft and a second rotary shaft substantially parallel to each other. The hinge structure also includes a first arm structure and a second arm structure rotatably coupled with the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft, respectively. The hinge structure further includes a guide member connected with the rotary shaft assembly and including a recessed area located substantially between the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft when viewed from above the flexible display. The recessed area is configured to accommodate at least part of a third display portion when the foldable housing is at least partially folded.