Hinge Mechanism for Flexible Display Bending Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge mechanisms for flexible electronic devices do not adequately provide a receiving space for the bending portion of flexible displays when folded, potentially causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a mounting assembly, first and second linking units, and slide pieces that pivot to create a leeway space between substrate units, allowing the flexible display to bend without damage, by using a base seat with substrate units and pivot arms that offset pivot axes to facilitate sliding and pivoting movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hinge mechanism is used for flexible electronic devices, then the device structure is simple, but the hinge mechanism cannot provide adequate receiving space for the bending portion of flexible displays when folded, potentially causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: mounting assembly, first linking unit with first inner/outer pivot arms, second linking unit with second inner/outer pivot arms, and slide pieces. Each component performs a specific function in creating the receiving space, allowing the complex protection function to be achieved through modular segmentation rather than a single monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism employs multiple pivot arms that can dynamically adjust their positions through pivoting motions about different axes. The first and second outer pivot arms pivot about outer pivot axes offset from inner pivot axes, creating dynamic movement that generates the necessary receiving space during folding operations, adapting the structure to the changing spatial requirements of the bent display.
2Reliability
If the hinge mechanism creates a leeway space between substrate units for display bending, then the flexible display is protected from damage, but the mechanism requires multiple pivot arms and slide pieces that increase structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional elements into integrated units: the first linking unit merges the first inner pivot arm, first outer pivot arm, and first slide piece into a coordinated assembly; similarly, the second linking unit merges its corresponding components. This merging approach reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the complex motion required to create the receiving space.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second linking units serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support between substrate units, enable pivoting motion for folding, create the leeway space for display bending, and guide the relative movement of substrate units. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
3Volume of moving object
If offset pivot axes are used in the outer pivot arms, then the slide pieces can move outward to create receiving space, but the pivot mechanism becomes more complex with multiple pivot axes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces offset pivot axes that are positioned at different heights (first height and second height) relative to the inner pivot axis. This vertical dimension offset creates a three-dimensional pivot configuration that enables the outer pivot arms to generate radial outward movement of the slide pieces, creating the necessary receiving space through spatial dimensionality rather than simple planar motion.
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 hinge mechanism effectively protects the flexible display by creating a space for bending, enabling smooth transitions between unfolded and folded states while maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The first outer pivot end is pivotably connected to the first pivoted portion about a first outer pivot axis which is offset from the first inner pivot axis in an up-down direction with a first height such that the first outer slided body is turned about the first outer pivot axis during the pivoting of the first linking unit
Implementation Method 2
The first slide piece is connected with the first substrate unit, and has a first slide body which extends in the left-right direction to have a proximate slide end that is proximate to the mounting assembly and that is slidable on the first outer slided body
Implementation Method 3
The first inner pivot arm has a first inner pivot end which is pivotably connected to the first pivoted portion about a first inner pivot axis, and a first inner connecting end which is opposite to the first inner pivot end to be turned about the first inner pivot axis during pivoting of the first linking unit
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible electronic device includes a flexible display, a support mechanism for carrying the flexible display thereon, and two hinge mechanisms. Each of the hinge mechanisms is disposed between first and second substrate units and interconnects inboard end edges of the first and second substrate units of the support mechanism, and includes first and second linking units pivotable relative to a mounting assembly. With a first height between first outer and inner pivot axes of the first linking unit and a second height between second outer and inner pivot axes of the second linking unit, substrate seats can be moved away from inner support plates, and the inner support plates are movable downwardly to provide a leeway space for a bending part of the flexible display to be bendably received therein.