Multi-Axis Folding Mechanism for Flexible Screen Stress Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible screens in foldable electronic devices are prone to excessive bending during the folding process, which can reduce their lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A folding mechanism is introduced, comprising a base, housing seats, screen supporting plates, and a hinge mechanism with swing arms, allowing the device to fold inwardly while distributing the stress across multiple axes, thereby reducing excessive bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device is designed to be foldable with a flexible screen, then the portability and versatility are improved, but the flexible screen is prone to excessive bending which reduces its lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoldable functionalityVSAvoidflexible screen lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple housing seats (first housing seat, second housing seat) that can rotate relative to each other around a base, allowing the foldable device to be segmented into separate sections that can be folded independently, reducing stress concentration on the flexible screen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a multi-axis rotation mechanism where housing seats rotate around different axes (first rotation axis, second rotation axis) rather than a single folding axis, distributing the bending stress across multiple dimensional planes and reducing excessive bending on the flexible screen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a simple hinge mechanism is used for folding, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flexible screen experiences excessive bending stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding mechanism structureVSAvoidbending stress on flexible screen

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge mechanism is segmented into multiple independent rotation joints (first rotation axis, second rotation axis) rather than a single hinge, allowing the folding action to be distributed across multiple joints which reduces the bending stress on any single point of the flexible screen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folding mechanism operates in multiple rotational dimensions with housing seats rotating around different axes, transforming a simple single-axis hinge into a multi-axis rotation system that distributes mechanical stress more effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12314091B2Folding mechanism and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.05.27 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD

AI summary

A folding mechanism, where a first housing seat is provided on a first screen supporting plate, and the first screen supporting plate is rotatably fitted with the first housing seat; a second housing seat is provided on a second screen supporting plate, and the second screen supporting plate is rotatably fitted with the second housing seat; the first housing seat and the first screen supporting plate are arranged on a first side of a base, and the second housing seat and the second screen supporting plate are arranged on a second side of the base, the first side and the second side being arranged facing away from each other.