Multi-Axis Hinge Structure for Flexible Display Bending

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hinges for foldable electronic devices with flexible displays cannot adequately meet the bending requirements of the flexible screen during device folding due to their constant rotating mode.

Innovation Solution

A hinge design featuring a base seat with first and second arcuate rails, connecting members with sliding portions, and sliding members that allow for rotation about multiple axes, enabling a variational rotating path and adjustable positions to match the curvature of the flexible display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional hinge with sliding members and rails is used to connect two housing bodies, then the hinge can support the flexible display screen, but the constant rotating mode cannot meet the bending requirement of the flexible display screen during folding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending requirement adaptationVSAvoidhinge structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from a constant rotating mode to a variable rotating mode. The hinge mechanism now allows the sliding members to move along curved paths with varying radii, enabling the rotation angle and radius to change dynamically during folding. This dynamic adjustment allows the hinge to adapt to different bending requirements of the flexible display screen at different folding stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs curvature by designing the rails with curved paths instead of straight lines. The first and second sliding members follow curved trajectories during rotation, with the curvature radius varying along the path. This curved rail design enables the hinge to accommodate the bending requirements of the flexible display by matching the curvature characteristics of the folded screen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If the hinge uses multiple arcuate rails and sliding members with variable rotation paths, then the bending requirement of the flexible display can be met, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding operation reliabilityVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the hinge mechanism into distinct functional components: a base seat with multiple arcuate rails, connecting members with first sliding portions, and sliding members with second sliding portions. Each component has a specific function - the rails provide guided paths, the sliding portions enable relative motion, and the connecting members transmit forces. This segmentation allows for modular design and easier manufacturing while achieving the complex variable rotation path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses intermediary elements - specifically the sliding portions and rails - to mediate the interaction between the connecting members and sliding members. The sliding portions engage with the arcuate rails to guide motion and transmit forces, acting as intermediaries that enable the variable rotation path without requiring direct complex connections between components. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall design while achieving reliable folding operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11841046B2Hinge for a foldable electronic device with a flexible display
Publication Date: 2023.12.12 FIRST DOME
  • US11841046B2 patent drawing
  • US11841046B2 patent drawing
  • US11841046B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A hinge includes a base seat, two connecting members and two sliding members. The base seat has two first arcuate rails each extending around a first rotating axis. Each connecting member has a first sliding portion matingly engaged with and slidable along the respective first arcuate rail, and a second arcuate rail extending around a second rotating axis. Each sliding member has a second sliding portion matingly engaged with and slidable along the second arcuate rail such that the two sliding members are rotatable relative to the base seat between an initial position and a terminal position about the first rotating axes and about the second rotating axes.