Inner-Foldable Hinge Assembly for Durable Large-Screen Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable display apparatuses face challenges in achieving sufficient rigidity and durability while maintaining a compact size, particularly with the hinge structure, which is crucial for supporting large-sized displays.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display apparatus with an inner-foldable hinge structure that includes a hinge assembly comprising hinge arms, a hinge housing, and an arm cover, which enhances rigidity and durability without increasing thickness, and minimizes component complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional hinge structure is used in a large-sized foldable display apparatus, then the device can be folded and unfolded, but the rigidity and durability of the hinge structure become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure employs nested components where the hinge arm is received within the hinge housing, and the arm cover encloses the hinge arm. This nesting arrangement enhances rigidity and durability by providing structural support and protection, while maintaining a compact design that does not significantly increase overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure is divided into distinct segments including the hinge housing, hinge arm, and arm cover. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for strength and durability while facilitating easier assembly and manufacturing, thereby managing device complexity
2Strength
If the hinge structure is reinforced to improve rigidity, then durability improves, but the thickness of the foldable display apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement where the hinge arm rotates within the confines of the hinge housing. The arm cover provides lateral support without significantly increasing the thickness direction,而是 optimizing the use of available space in multiple dimensions to achieve rigidity enhancement
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration of the hinge arm within the hinge housing, and the arm cover enclosing the hinge arm, allows the structure to gain rigidity through layered support without proportionally increasing thickness. The nested design efficiently uses vertical space
3Reliability
If more components are added to the hinge structure to improve durability, then reliability increases, but the assembly structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure merges multiple functions into integrated components. The hinge housing both supports the hinge arm and provides structural rigidity, while the arm cover simultaneously protects the hinge arm and contributes to overall structural strength. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed compared to a design where each function is provided by a separate part
Solution Approach 2:
Each component of the hinge structure serves multiple functions: the hinge housing provides structural support, guides the hinge arm rotation, and protects internal components; the arm cover provides protection and structural reinforcement. This multi-functionality increases durability without requiring additional dedicated components for each function
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A foldable display apparatus (100) comprises a housing frame (120, 130) including a first frame (120) and a second frame (130); a hinge assembly (200) which is coupled to the first frame (120) and the second frame (130) to implement a folding and unfolding movement of the first frame (120) and the second frame (130); and a display panel (160) disposed on the first frame (120) and the second frame (130). The hinge assembly (200) includes a plurality of hinge arms (220a, 220b) coupled to the first frame (120) and the second frame (130); a hinge housing (210) which is disposed below the plurality of hinge arms (220a, 220b) and accommodates the plurality of hinge arms (220a, 220b); and an arm cover (230) which is fastened with the hinge housing (210) to be disposed above the plurality of hinge arms (220a, 220b) and includes a plurality of guide units (G1, G2) recessed to correspond to the plurality of hinge arms (220a, 220b).