Multi-Link Hinge Assembly With Relief Space for Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-link hinge assemblies for foldable devices increase the gap between shell halves and overall size when in the folded position, which hampers the minimization of foldable devices and may damage flexible displays due to insufficient space.
Innovation Solution
A multi-link hinge assembly comprising at least one link rod unit and a supporting plate unit, where the link rod unit includes a base rod, supporting link rods, synchronization link rods, and first supporting rods, allowing for an unfolded and folded position that accommodates a flexible display without increasing the device's size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relatively large hinge is used to provide extra space between shell halves, then the flexible display can be accommodated without damage, but the overall size of the foldable device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is divided into multiple link rods (first link rod, second link rod, third link rod, fourth link rod) that can independently pivot and adjust. This segmentation allows the hinge to create variable spacing between shell halves, providing sufficient space for the flexible display while maintaining a compact overall structure when folded.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly employs dynamic link rods that can pivot between different positions to adjust the spacing between shell halves. The link rods transition between extended and retracted configurations, dynamically creating the necessary space for the flexible display during folding operations while minimizing the device footprint when folded.
2Volume of moving object
If the hinge assembly is made compact to minimize device size, then the overall dimensions are reduced, but insufficient space may damage the flexible display during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The link rods are arranged in a nested configuration where the second link rod is positioned within the structure formed by the first link rod, and similar nesting occurs with the third and fourth link rods. This nesting allows the hinge assembly to maintain a compact form factor while still providing sufficient expansion space when the link rods pivot outward during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly utilizes multi-dimensional movement of the link rods, allowing them to pivot in different directions and planes. This dimensional flexibility enables the compact hinge to generate sufficient space in the radial direction when needed, without increasing the overall device footprint in the folded state.
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 multi-link hinge assembly effectively reduces the overall size of the foldable device in the folded position while providing sufficient space to accommodate the flexible display, thereby preventing damage and enhancing the device's compactness.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first synchronization end portions of the synchronization link rods mesh with each other so the synchronization link rods are synchronously pivotable relative to the base rod body
Implementation Method 2
The link rod unit is operable between an unfolded position and a folded position, where, when the link rod unit is in the folded position, the inner portions of the first supporting plates define a relief space therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-link hinge assembly includes a link rod unit including a base rod, two supporting link rods, two synchronization link rods, two supporting rods, and a supporting plate unit. The base rod has a base rod body, two base connecting portions respectively connected to opposite ends of the base rod body, and two central connecting portions disposed between the base connecting portions. Each synchronization link rod has a first synchronization end portion pivotably connected to a respective one of the central connecting portions, and a second synchronization end portion opposite thereto. The supporting plate unit includes two supporting plates respectively connected to the supporting rods and each having inner and outer portions. The link rod unit is operable between an unfolded position and a folded position, where the second synchronization end portions are away from each other, and the inner portions define a relief space therebetween.