Multi-Link Foldable Hinge Structure That Preserves Display Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a rotation axis for a foldable display in electronic devices is challenging due to interference with the display area, making it difficult to directly arrange a rotation shaft at the deformation point.
Innovation Solution
A hinge with a multi-link structure is implemented, which includes a plurality of rotation shafts and links connecting them, allowing the rotation axis to be spaced apart from the deformation point and supporting mechanical parts to move along a rotation trajectory according to the display's deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a rotation shaft is directly arranged at the deformation point of the foldable display, then the hinge structure can be simplified, but it interferes with the display area and makes the design difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation shaft is extracted from the display area and relocated to a position spaced apart from the deformation point. The hinge bracket and multi-link structure are designed to enable rotation around an axis that does not interfere with the display area, effectively removing the conflicting element from the problematic zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation trajectory is designed in a multi-dimensional space where the mechanical parts move along a complex path that accommodates both the display deformation requirements and the rotation shaft positioning. This allows the rotation axis to be in a different spatial dimension relative to the display area.
2Area of stationary object
If the rotation axis is spaced apart from the deformation point, then the display area is preserved, but mechanical parts must move along a complex rotation trajectory
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is segmented into multiple independent links (first link, second link, third link, fourth link) connected by rotation shafts. Each link can move independently along its own rotation trajectory, simplifying the overall motion requirements compared to a single complex rigid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-link structure is designed to be dynamic, with each link capable of rotating around its own axis. This dynamic configuration allows the mechanical parts to adapt their trajectories during folding operations, making the complex motion path achievable through coordinated rotation of multiple simpler components.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge structure is used, then the display can be folded, but the hinge driving part occupies large volume
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-link structure is designed with nested or overlapping arrangements where links can be positioned within or alongside each other during the folding process. This nesting reduces the overall volume occupied by the hinge driving part while maintaining the full folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional elements are merged into the multi-link structure, where the same components perform both the rotation function and the structural support function. This consolidation reduces the total volume compared to traditional hinges that separate these functions into distinct components.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed herein may include a first housing, a second housing, and a hinge that foldably connect the first housing and the second housing, wherein the hinge may include a hinge bracket, a first arm coupled to the first housing, and a multi-link structure including a plurality of rotation shafts and a plurality of links connecting the plurality of rotation shafts and configured to rotatably connect the hinge bracket and the first arm to each other. Various other embodiments may be possible.