Multi-Hinge Foldable Mechanism for Inward and Outward Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable OLED electronic devices cannot effectively meet requirements for multifunctional use due to complex rotation structures and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
A foldable mechanism with multiple folding hinges and casings, including flexible connection blocks made of metal or rubber, allowing for both inward and outward bending, enabling the display device to operate in tablet, mobile phone, and notebook modes with a simple structure and fewer components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional foldable structures use multiple rotation directions to achieve multifunctional use, then the functionality is improved, but the rotation structure becomes much more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The foldable mechanism is divided into four independent folding hinges (first, second, third, and fourth folding hinges) that can be independently controlled. Each hinge handles a specific folding direction, segmenting the complex rotation function into manageable independent units. This segmentation allows the system to achieve multifunctional use (tablet mode, mobile phone mode, notebook mode) while keeping each individual hinge structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The four folding hinges are arranged in a nested configuration where the first and second folding hinges are disposed in parallel, and the third and fourth folding hinges are disposed in parallel. The hinges are interconnected through casings in a nested manner, allowing compact integration of multiple rotation functions within a limited space while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If foldable structures are designed for convenient carry in standby mode, then portability is improved, but the structure requires additional components for multiple angle rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The four folding hinges collectively serve multiple functions: they enable the display device to be folded for convenient carrying (standby mode), expanded for using each functional interface simultaneously (multifunctional mode), and positioned at multiple angles for different usage scenarios (tablet, mobile phone, notebook modes). This universal design allows a single hinge system to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanisms for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple rotation directions into a single integrated foldable mechanism comprising four folding hinges. Instead of using separate rotation mechanisms for different folding directions, all rotation functions are combined into one unified hinge system that can achieve inward bending, outward bending, and multi-angle positioning through coordinated operation of the four hinges.
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 foldable mechanism increases the diversity of use modes, meeting user requirements for multi-angle bending and improving user experience by allowing the display device to function in three distinct states with reduced complexity and component count.
Implementation Method 1
a first folding hinge disposed along a first direction; a second folding hinge disposed in the same direction in which the first folding hinge is disposed; a third folding hinge disposed along a second direction, wherein the second direction intersects the first direction; a fourth folding hinge disposed in the same direction in which the third folding hinge is disposed
Implementation Method 2
the connection portion is a flexible connection block, and the flexible connection block is made of a material comprising a flexible metal or rubber
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable mechanism and a display device including the foldable mechanism are disclosed. The foldable mechanism includes a first folding hinge, a second folding hinge, a third folding hinge, a fourth folding hinge, a first casing, a second casing, a third casing, and a fourth casing. The foldable mechanism is multifunctional and has both inward bending and outward bending functions, so that the display device can operate in three display states: a tablet display state, a mobile phone display state, and a notebook display state.