Inward-Foldable Hinge With Lever-Arm Support Plate
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanical structures for flexible screen mobile terminals fail to effectively support the bending characteristics of flexible screens when closed, limiting their application in mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism comprising a U-shaped cover, left and right support frames, and a foldable flexible screen support plate, which allows the flexible screen to be supported when open and folded, providing space for the screen's bending portions and enabling seamless operation in devices like mobile phones and laptops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical structure is designed to support flexible screen bending when closed, then the flexible screen can be properly accommodated, but the structure becomes complex and the mechanism may be exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hinge mechanism and flexible screen support structure into a single integrated system. The support plates are directly connected to the hinge components (left and right support frames), eliminating the need for separate support mechanisms. This merging reduces overall structural complexity while maintaining reliable support for the flexible screen during bending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism performs multiple functions: it enables the opening and closing motion of the mobile terminal, provides structural support for the flexible screen during bending, and houses the guide mechanisms within its structure. The left and right support frames serve both as hinge components and as support structures, making the mechanism multi-functional and reducing the need for additional dedicated support structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge mechanism is designed to accommodate flexible screen bending, then the screen can be folded inward, but the mechanism becomes exposed when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the guide mechanisms (guide grooves and guide pins) inside the hinge structure. The guide grooves are formed on the support frames, and the guide pins are received within these grooves, effectively nesting the guiding function within the existing hinge components. This nested arrangement ensures that no additional mechanisms are exposed when the device is folded, maintaining a clean external appearance while enabling flexible screen folding.
3Device complexity
If a simple hinge structure is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot provide adequate support for flexible screen bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the support function into multiple components: left and right support frames, first and second support plates for each side, and guide mechanisms with grooves and pins. Each segment has a specific role in supporting the flexible screen during bending. This segmentation allows the simple hinge structure to provide adequate support through the coordinated action of multiple simplified components rather than requiring a single complex support mechanism.
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 provides a simple structure that keeps the mechanism hidden when folded, enhances operational experience, and allows for large-screen displays in compact devices by supporting the flexible screen's bending, enabling smooth unfolding and folding.
Implementation Method 1
the inner end of the first left support plate is rotatably connected with the outer end of the second left support plate, and the shaft is connected with the upper left side of the U-shaped cover; the inner end of the first right support plate is rotatably connected with the outer end of the second right support plate, and the shaft is connected with the upper right side of the U-shaped cover
Implementation Method 2
the first left support plate is provided with a short lever arm that takes the shaft as a fulcrum to pull and support the second left support plate; the first right support plate is provided with a short lever arm that takes the shaft as a fulcrum to pull and support the second right support plate
Implementation Method 3
the outer end of the first left support plate and the outer end of the first right support plate are movably connected with the left support frame and the right support frame respectively, and a guide mechanism for the activity is arranged between them. The guide mechanism comprises a guide groove provided on the left support frame and the right support frame, and a guide pin or guide shaft on the first left support plate and the first right support plate
Implementation Method 4
the inner ends of the left support frame and the right support frame are respectively connected with the synchronous mechanism, so that the left support frame and the right support frame can rotate synchronously and reversely
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a hinge of a mobile terminal having an inward-foldable flexible screen, which comprises a middle U-shaped cover, a left support frame, and a right support frame, and the left support frame, the right support frame and the U-shaped cover are rotatably connected; a foldable and unfoldable flexible screen support plate is connected to the left support frame, and the right support frame and the U-shaped cover, the flexible screen support plate is located inside the hinge; the flexible screen support plate is composed of a rotatable first left support plate, a second left support plate, a first right support plate and a second right support plate; the first left support plate is provided with a short lever arm that takes the shaft as a fulcrum to pull and support the second left support plate, and the first right support plate is provided with a short lever arm that takes the shaft as a fulcrum to pull and support the second right support plate. The invention also provides an inward-foldable flexible screen mobile terminal using the above hinge. The invention has a simple structure, can make the middle mechanism of the hinge not to be exposed after the hinge is closed and provide a space for accommodating the bending portion of the flexible screen, and provides a better sense of operation experience.