Hinge Mechanism for Inner Flexible Screen Mobile Terminal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals with flexible screens face challenges in supporting the mechanical bending required when folded, as conventional hinges do not effectively accommodate the flexible screen's characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A hinge comprising a left support structure, a right support structure, and a middle support structure with rotatable and sliding connections, compression springs, and a torsion mechanism, allowing the flexible screen to bend and expand freely while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional hinge structure is used, then the mobile terminal can be folded, but it cannot effectively support the flexible screen's bending characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible screen bending supportVSAvoidscreen support reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is divided into multiple support structures (left support structure, right support structure, middle support structure) that can independently move and rotate. This segmentation allows each part to specifically address different aspects of flexible screen support, enabling the screen to bend while maintaining structural reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge employs dynamic support structures with rotatable support members and sliding connections that adapt their position based on the folding state. The support members can rotate to different angles and the sliding connections allow dynamic adjustment, providing continuous support for the flexible screen during bending and unfolding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the hinge structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but it may not provide sufficient support for the flexible screen during folding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidflexible screen support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge structure integrates multiple functions into unified components. The support structures simultaneously provide mechanical support, enable folding motion, and accommodate flexible screen bending. The rotatable support members and sliding connections serve both structural and functional purposes, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge allows free movement for screen bending, then the flexible screen can be applied, but structural integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen bending freedomVSAvoidhinge structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge employs asymmetric support structures with different rotation ranges and sliding constraints on the left and right sides. This asymmetry allows optimized movement freedom for screen bending on each side while maintaining overall structural integrity through differentiated support mechanisms tailored to specific structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 proposed hinge enables flexible screen mobile terminals to fold and unfold smoothly, supporting the screen's bending and providing a reliable mechanism for large-screen display in compact form factors, suitable for devices like mobile phones and e-books.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring is provided between the left connecting arm and the left support structure and between the right connecting arm and the right support structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

A torque mechanism is provided between the middle support structure and the left connecting arm and between the middle support structure and the right connecting arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11474567B2Hinge for inner flexible screen mobile terminal and inner flexible screen mobile terminal

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 HANGZHOU AMPHENOL PHOENIX TELECOM PARTS

AI summary

Disclosed is a hinge for an inner flexible screen mobile terminal, the hinge comprising a left support structure, a right support structure and a middle support structure, a pair of left connecting arms and a pair of right connecting arms, and a left rotatable support member and a right rotatable support member, wherein the left connecting arms and the right connecting arms are respectively rotatably connected on the left side and the right side of the middle support structure; and the left rotatable support member and the right rotatable support member are rotated downwards to a lower position to leave a space for accommodating a bent portion of the flexible screen when the hinge is folded, and when the hinge is rotated to a state corresponding to the spreading of the flexible screen, the left rotatable support member and the right rotatable support member are rotated to a higher position, and the left support structure and the right support structure are respectively provided with a rotation guide structure for the left rotatable support member and the right rotatable support member. The hinge of the present invention has a simple and reliable structure, and when applied to a mobile terminal such as a mobile phone, an e-book or a computer, the hinge can be used as both a hinge and flexible screen support structure therein.