Hinge Mechanism for Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable electronic devices with hinges subject the flexible display to stretching or compressing forces during folding or unfolding, potentially damaging the display and reducing its lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a base seat, slide seats, rotary members, and coupling mechanisms that allow the slide seats to move between inner and outer positions, reducing the distance between them during folding, thereby minimizing the stress on the flexible display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional hinge with fixed slide seats is used, then the hinge structure is simple, but the flexible display is subjected to stretching or compressing forces during folding, which can damage the display and reduce its lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The slide seats are designed to be movable relative to each other along the first axis, transitioning between inner and outer positions based on the folding state. This dynamic adjustment allows the hinge to adapt its geometry during folding, preventing harmful forces on the flexible display while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge is divided into multiple functional components: base seat, slide seats, rotary members, and coupling mechanisms. Each component performs a specific function, and their coordinated movement enables the complex motion required to protect the flexible display during folding without excessive stress.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the slide seats are positioned at the inner position during folding, then the distance between slide seats is reduced minimizing stress on the flexible display, but the coupling mechanisms must manage complex rotational and translational movements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanisms act as intermediaries that translate the rotational movement of the rotary members into translational movement of the slide seats along the first axis. This intermediary function coordinates the complex motions required to reduce the distance between slide seats during folding, minimizing stress on the flexible display.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanisms enable dynamic coordination between rotational and translational movements. As the rotary members rotate, the coupling mechanisms dynamically adjust the position of the slide seats, ensuring optimal geometry is maintained throughout the folding process to protect the flexible display.
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 design prevents the flexible display from being stretched or compressed, reducing the risk of damage and extending its lifespan by maintaining optimal distance between components during the folding process.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating members are configured to rotate respectively about two rotation axes relative to the base member via sliding engagement between a slide block and a slide groove
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes: a base seat; two slide seats that are mounted on the base seat, that are movable between an inner position and an outer position, and that each have a slide rail portion; two rotary members that each have a slide portion being in sliding contact with the slide rail portion of a respective slide seat, and that are respectively rotatable relative to the slide seats; and two coupling mechanisms that are connected between the rotary members and the slide seats, such that rotations of the rotary members drive the slide seats to move between the inner position and the outer position. A distance between the slide seats decreases when the slide seats move from the outer position to the inner position.