Foldable Hinge Module for Variable Display Curvature Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge modules for foldable devices with flexible displays often require a small curvature, which may not accommodate displays with different curved patterns, potentially damaging the flexible display and limiting their service life.
Innovation Solution
A hinge module with dual virtual rotation centers and synchronous rotating members, replacing the 'shaft-free seesaw' structure, to accommodate various curved patterns and reduce overall thickness, incorporating torsion bars and elastic members for stable support and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single virtual rotation center or shaft-free seesaw structure is used, then the curved portion of the flexible display can be accommodated, but the overall structure becomes thicker and the operation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hinge structure into multiple independent support members (first support member, second support member, third support member) instead of using a single complex mechanism. Each support member has its own rotation center, segmenting the previously centralized complex mechanism into simpler, distributed components that collectively achieve the same accommodation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex compensation operations from the shaft-free seesaw structure. By using multiple support members with individual rotation centers, the patent eliminates the need for complex compensatory mechanisms while maintaining the ability to accommodate the curved display.
2Reliability
If a single virtual rotation center or shaft-free seesaw structure is used, then the curved portion of the flexible display can be accommodated, but the overall thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hinge mechanism into multiple thin support members arranged in sequence, where each member contributes a small portion to the overall thickness. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve the required accommodation function while keeping the total thickness minimal, compared to a single thick shaft-free seesaw mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If small curvature is enforced on the flexible display, then the hinge can accommodate the curve, but the service life of the flexible display is reduced due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides different rotation centers and support characteristics at different locations along the hinge mechanism. Each support member can be optimized for its specific position, allowing the hinge to adapt to various curvature patterns without forcing a uniform small curvature that could damage the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple rotatable support members that can dynamically adjust their positions and angles independently. This dynamic capability allows the hinge to adapt to different curvature patterns of the flexible display, accommodating various curvatures without imposing excessive stress that would reduce service life.
4Reliability
If the shaft-free seesaw structure with compensation operation is used, then the curved display can be supported, but the operation mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the compensation function into multiple independent rotatable support members, each handling a portion of the support task. This eliminates the need for a complex centralized compensation mechanism, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining reliable curved display support.
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 simplifies the hinge module operation, reduces thickness, and extends the service life of flexible displays by providing stable, multi-point support and accommodating different curvature patterns, while allowing for smooth and stable folding and unfolding.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating torsion bars and elastic members for stable support and positioning
Implementation Method 2
a display and a base of a notebook computer, are mainly connected with each other through a single folio type hinge that is respectively connected with the side of the display and the base to form a pivoting connection
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a hinge module for a foldable device. A first curved guiding portion and a second curved guiding portion are provided between two sides of a curved body, and a first connecting portion of a first rotating member is connected with a first support plate. At least one of the first curved blocks of the first rotating member is swingable and limited within the first curved guiding portion. A second connecting portion of a second rotating member is connected with a second support plate. At least one of the second curved blocks of the second rotating member is swingable and limited within the second curved guiding portion. A first linkage assembly has one end pivotally connected with one side of the first curved block. A second linking member is provided at another end of the two linkage assemblies.