Multi-Link Hinge Structure for Versatile Foldable Display Angles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices with flexible screens have limited configuration options due to simple parallel placement of screen portions after folding, lacking the complexity and versatility of folding forms.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a supporting mechanism comprising multiple rotatably connected elements and a rotating mechanism, allowing for multiple degrees of freedom of rotation, enabling the flexible display panel to adopt various folding forms with different included angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a simple hinge mechanism with parallel placement is used, then the device structure is simple, but the configuration versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple independent supporting elements (first supporting element, second supporting element, third supporting element, fourth supporting element) that can rotate relative to each other. Each element can be independently positioned at different angles, enabling multiple folding configurations including parallel folding, angle folding, and small folding, thereby resolving the contradiction between structure simplicity and configuration versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting elements are designed with rotational joints allowing dynamic adjustment of angles between elements. The first supporting element rotates relative to the fixed bracket, the second supporting element rotates relative to the first supporting element, and similarly for the third and fourth supporting elements. This dynamic capability enables the hinge to adapt to various folding states, achieving versatility without requiring multiple fixed-structure mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple supporting elements with rotation are added, then folding configuration versatility is improved, but the hinge mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each supporting element serves multiple functions: the first supporting element both supports the flexible display panel body and provides a rotational joint for the second supporting element. The second supporting element similarly supports the panel and provides rotation for the fourth supporting element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, achieving versatile folding configurations while controlling overall mechanism complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism employs a nested arrangement where the second supporting element is connected to the first supporting element, and the fourth supporting element is connected to the third supporting element. This nested structure allows compact folding states while maintaining the capability for multiple configuration angles, effectively managing spatial complexity despite having multiple moving elements.
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 proposed hinge mechanism enhances the flexibility and versatility of foldable electronic devices by allowing multiple folding forms, improving the folded condition of the flexible display panel and preventing damage from small folds.
Implementation Method 1
the first supporting element is rotatably connected to one side of the fixed bracket along a first shaft
Implementation Method 2
the second supporting element is rotatably connected to one side of the first supporting element away from the fixed bracket
Implementation Method 3
the third supporting element is rotatably connected to the other side of the fixed bracket along a third shaft
Implementation Method 4
the fourth supporting element is rotatably connected to one side of the third supporting element away from the fixed bracket
Implementation Method 5
One end of the first connecting element is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket along a second shaft, and the other end of the first connecting element is rotatably connected to the second supporting element
Implementation Method 6
One end of the second connecting element is rotatably connected to the fixed bracket along a fourth shaft, and the other end of the second connecting element is slidably connected to the fourth supporting element
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge, a display panel, and an electronic device are disclosed. The hinge includes a fixed bracket and a supporting mechanism, wherein the supporting mechanism includes a first supporting element rotatably connected to the fixed bracket along a first shaft, a second supporting element rotatably connected to the first supporting element along a second shaft, a third supporting element rotatably connected to the fixed bracket along a third shaft, and a fourth supporting element rotatably connected to the third supporting element along a fourth shaft.