Multi-Joint Hinge Mechanism for Foldable Display Stress Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable devices with flexible display panels face stress-related defects when frequently switched between folded and opened states, leading to potential damage and limiting user experience.
Innovation Solution
A foldable device design featuring a panel support unit with multi-joint members and a state detection sensor, allowing the display panel to adjust distances between joint units based on the device's state, and a controller to manage camera and speaker exposure based on area comparisons, providing a new user experience and preventing defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the foldable device is frequently switched between folded and opened states, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but stress concentration occurs in the flexible display panel causing defects and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is divided into multiple flexible regions with different bending radii, allowing different portions of the panel to be folded independently. This segmentation distributes the stress across multiple zones rather than concentrating it in a single location, thereby improving reliability while maintaining frequent state switching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamically adjustable folding mechanisms that can modify the folding path and bending radius in real-time based on usage patterns. This dynamic adaptation reduces stress concentration by optimizing the folding mechanics, enabling frequent transitions between states without compromising display panel durability
2Volume of moving object
If the distances between joint units are reduced in folded state, then the device compactness is improved, but the stress on individual joint units increases potentially causing mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple distributed joint units rather than a single centralized hinge. This segmentation allows the folding action to be distributed across multiple points, reducing the mechanical load on each individual joint unit while achieving compact folded volume
Solution Approach 2:
The joint units are constructed using composite materials that combine high strength and flexibility properties. This allows the joints to withstand increased mechanical stress during compact folding while maintaining the necessary flexibility for repeated folding operations without mechanical failure
3Adaptability or versatility
If the state detection sensor and controller are added to dynamically manage camera and speaker exposure, then the user experience and functionality are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The state detection sensor serves multiple functions: detecting folding state, determining device orientation, and triggering appropriate functional modes for camera and speaker exposure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems, thereby improving adaptability while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically adjusts camera and speaker exposure based on real-time detection of device state and orientation, without requiring manual user input. This self-service capability provides adaptive functionality while keeping the control system simple through automated decision-making algorithms
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 design effectively reduces stress on the display panel, prevents defects, and enhances user interaction by dynamically managing the exposure of camera and speaker units based on the device's configuration, offering improved functionality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a multi-joint member connecting between the first support plate and the second support plate; wherein the multi-joint member includes a plurality of joint units, each including a fixed end supporting the display panel and a free end extending from the fixed end and rotatable about a hinge shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable device includes: a panel support unit including a first support plate, a second support plate, and a multi-joint member connecting between the first support plate and the second support plate; and a display panel on the first support plate, the second support plate, and the multi-joint member, and the multi-joint member includes a plurality of joint units, each including a fixed end supporting the display panel and a free end extending from the fixed end and rotatable about a hinge shaft, and distances between the free ends of at least two adjacent first joint units among the plurality of joint units are regular when the display panel is in a folded state and an opened state.