Lever-Link-Roller Hinge for Foldable Display Crease Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable display devices suffer from creases during use and increased thickness during carrying due to inadequate folding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a hinge assembly comprising a lever, link, and roller system that allows for differential rotation trajectories and linear movement of a wing plate, supporting a folding portion to prevent wrinkles during use and reduce thickness during carrying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional folding mechanism is used, then the display device can be folded for carrying, but creases and wrinkles occur during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support member (intermediary element) positioned between the display module and the hinge assembly. This support member has a specific shape that corresponds to the folding portion, providing structural support to prevent wrinkles and creases from forming in the display panel during folding and unfolding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is specifically shaped to match the folding portion's geometry, providing localized support exactly where needed. The support member's shape is designed to correspond to the curved portion and bend portions of the folding structure, ensuring support is applied precisely to prevent wrinkles without affecting other areas of the display.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a folding mechanism is added to enable carrying, then portability is improved, but device thickness increases during carrying
Solution Approach 1:
The support member extends in the thickness direction (third direction) of the display device, utilizing the vertical dimension to provide support rather than increasing horizontal dimensions. By positioning the support member between the display module and hinge assembly along the thickness axis, the design achieves wrinkle prevention without significantly increasing the overall footprint of the device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge assembly is introduced to enable folding, then folding functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to prevent wrinkles, acts as a mechanical element in the hinge assembly, and helps maintain the geometric relationship between folding portions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving folding functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a display device including a display module including a folding portion and a non-folding portion, a hinge assembly including a lever that rotates around a lever rotation axis, a link that rotates around a link rotation axis, and a roller that is fixedly attached to the link and moves along a slot, and a wing plate disposed between the display module and the hinge assembly rotates along the lever and contacts the roller.