Hinge with Segmented Support Plates for Foldable Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays in foldable electronic devices face damage due to insufficient support force when unfolded, leading to dent formation and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design with a base seat unit and rotating modules, featuring primary and secondary support plates that adjust to provide optimal support in both unfolded and folded states, minimizing clearance and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the clearance between two support plates of the hinge is made large to accommodate the bending portion of the flexible display in the folded state, then the flexible display can be properly accommodated when folded, but the support force for the flexible display becomes insufficient when unfolded, leading to dent formation
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple support plates (first support plate, second support plate, third support plate) that can independently adjust their positions. This segmentation allows each plate to perform different functions: providing support force when unfolded and accommodating the bending portion when folded, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge support structure is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The support plates can change their relative positions and orientations based on whether the device is in folded or unfolded state. This dynamic adjustment enables the structure to optimize support force during use while providing adequate clearance during folding, eliminating the need to choose between fixed support or fixed clearance.
2Reliability
If the clearance between support plates is reduced to improve support force, then dent formation is prevented, but the flexible display cannot be properly accommodated when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge support structure transitions from a static clearance design to a dynamic adjustable design. The support plates can change their relative positions based on the device state, providing small clearance (strong support) when unfolded and large clearance (accommodation) when folded, thus resolving the contradiction between support force and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the support structure into multiple independently movable support plates, the system can selectively adjust which plates are active in which states. This allows the first and second support plates to provide strong support when unfolded, while the third support plate can extend to accommodate the bending portion when folded.
3Device complexity
If a fixed hinge structure is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot provide optimal support in both unfolded and folded states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic elements (rotatable support plates with adjustable positions) into the hinge structure. While this increases complexity compared to a fixed hinge, it enables the structure to adapt to different states (folded/unfolded) and provide optimal support force in each state, thereby improving reliability at the cost of controlled complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: providing support force during use, accommodating the bending portion during folding, and maintaining structural integrity in both states. This multi-functionality is achieved through the adjustable support plates that can adapt their configuration based on the device state.
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 ensures firm support for flexible displays in the unfolded state while accommodating bending in the folded state, preventing dents and enhancing operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a primary support plate which is pivotably connected to a respective one of the left and right sides of the base seat and which has a primary support surface for resting the flexible display thereon
Implementation Method 2
a secondary support plate which is pivotably connected to the primary support plate and which has a secondary support surface that extends toward the other secondary support plate
Implementation Method 3
The rotating modules are rotatable relative to the base seat between an initial position and a terminal position to shift the casing parts between an unfolded state and a folded state
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge is mountable between two casing parts of a flexible electronic device, and includes a base seat and two rotating modules disposed at two sides of the base seat for respectively mounting the casing parts thereon. Each rotating module includes a primary support plate pivotably connected to the base seat, and a secondary support plate pivotably connected to the primary support plate. When the rotating modules are rotated from an initial position, where the secondary support plates are flush with the primary support plates for resting and supporting a flexible display thereon, to a terminal position, where the secondary support plates are turned away to provide a leeway, the casing parts are shifted from an unfolded state to a folded state.