Hinge Assembly Support Surfaces for Foldable Display Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hinge mechanisms for foldable electronic devices are complex in structure and prone to causing pulling and compression of flexible displays, affecting the reliability of the electronic device.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a base and at least one hinge assembly, including first and second rotating assemblies, which provide support surfaces to prevent depression or arching of the flexible display when folded or unfolded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional chain-structure hinge mechanism is used, then the folding function is achieved, but the flexible display is prone to pulling and compression affecting reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple rotating assemblies (first rotating assembly, second rotating assembly, third rotating assembly) that are independently connected to the base. Each rotating assembly includes a rotating element and housing fastening bracket that can rotate relative to the base, allowing the flexible display to be segmented into multiple sections that fold independently, reducing pulling and compression on any single section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple rotation centers (first rotation center, second rotation center, third rotation center) that are positioned at different locations and orientations. The first and second rotation centers are arranged in a first direction, while the third rotation center is arranged in a second direction different from the first direction. This multi-dimensional arrangement of rotation centers allows the hinge mechanism to achieve folding functionality while distributing mechanical stress across different spatial dimensions, preventing concentrated pulling and compression on the flexible display.
2Ease of operation
If the hinge mechanism provides continuous foldability, then the folding function is achieved, but the flexible display experiences pulling and compression
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism employs multiple rotating assemblies with rotating elements that can dynamically adjust their positions relative to the base. Each rotating element is rotatably connected to the base and housing fastening bracket, enabling continuous folding motion. The dynamic rotation around multiple centers allows the system to maintain foldability while distributing mechanical loads, preventing harmful pulling and compression forces on the flexible display during the folding process.
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 supports the flexible display in various folding states, enhancing the structural reliability of the electronic device by preventing pulling or arching of the display.
Implementation Method 1
The first rotating element is located between the base and the first housing fastening bracket and is rotatably connected to the base and the first housing fastening bracket separately. The second rotating element is located between the base and the second housing fastening bracket and is rotatably connected to the base and the second housing fastening bracket separately.
Implementation Method 2
the first arc-shaped rotating block is accommodated in the first arc-shaped guiding groove, and slides in the first arc-shaped guiding groove to implement a rotatable connection between the first rotating element and the base, and the second arc-shaped rotating block is accommodated in the second arc-shaped guiding groove, and slides in the second arc-shaped guiding groove to implement a rotatable connection between the first rotating element and the first housing fastening bracket.
Implementation Method 3
When the hinge mechanism is in a flattened state, the first support surface, the second support surface, and the third support surface may form a flat support surface for supporting the flexible display, to avoid depression of the flexible display. When the hinge mechanism is in a folded state, the first support surface, the third support surface, and the second support surface may form a U-shaped support surface for supporting the flexible display, to avoid arching of the flexible display.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge mechanism includes a base and a hinge assembly. The hinge assembly includes a first rotating assembly and a second rotating assembly. The first rotating assembly includes a first housing fastening bracket and a first rotating element rotatably connected between the base and the first housing fastening bracket. The second rotating assembly includes a second housing fastening bracket and a second rotating element rotatably connected between the base and the second housing fastening bracket. The first housing fastening bracket has a first support surface, the second housing fastening bracket has a second support surface, and the base has a third support surface.