Outward-Folding Hinge Compensation Subunits for Display Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional outward-folding smartphones face issues with tension on the flexible display during folding, leading to potential damage, and insufficient support at the middle, which can result in damage to the flexible display.
Innovation Solution
An outward-folding display device with a casing unit and hinge units that include a shaft holder, drive shafts, synchronizer, flexible connection subunit, and compensation subunits, which allow for synchronized rotation and movement to reduce stress on the flexible display, providing adequate support and protection during the folding process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge structure is used for outward-folding smartphone, then the device can be folded, but the flexible display is subject to tension which may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into multiple components including a first hinge unit, a second hinge unit, a first compensation unit, and a second compensation unit. Each unit independently manages specific aspects of the folding motion, allowing the system to control tension and support distribution across the flexible display segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the hinge system by introducing compensation units with rotating plates and crank members that dynamically adjust the support distance and tension distribution during folding. This transforms the rigid hinge into an adaptive mechanism that modifies its geometric parameters based on folding angle.
2Strength
If the rotating shaft is positioned closer to the distal edge of the flexible display, then support is improved, but the flexible display still suffers from insufficient support at the middle
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is segmented between two hinge units positioned at different locations along the flexible display. The first hinge unit provides support at one region while the second hinge unit supports another region, ensuring distributed support across the entire display including the middle section that was previously insufficiently supported.
Solution Approach 2:
The compensation units act as intermediary mechanisms between the hinge shafts and the flexible display. These units include rotating plates with crank members that mediate the force transmission, providing additional support points and distributing the mechanical load to prevent middle section damage.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the distance between rotating shaft and distal edge of flexible display is increased, then tension on flexible display is reduced, but the middle of the flexible display suffers from insufficient support
Solution Approach 1:
The support function is divided between multiple hinge units and compensation units positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to reduce tension at the distal edge while simultaneously providing distributed support to the middle section through the combined action of multiple support points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the support mechanism through the compensation units. The rotating plates and crank members create a time-varying support geometry that adapts during folding, adding a dynamic element that allows the system to optimize both tension reduction and middle section support at different folding angles.
Data Source
AI summary
An outward-folding display device includes two flat casings adapted to be connected to a flexible display, and two hinge units connected between the casings such that the casings are convertible between unfolded and folded positions. Each of the hinge units includes two rotatable drive shafts, and two compensation subunits each including a rotating plate that is co-rotatably connected to a respective one of the drive shafts, and a driven plate that is slidable relative to the rotating plate and that is connected to a respective one of the casings, such that during conversion of the casings, the driven plate and the respective one of the casings slide relative to the rotating plate to prevent the flexible display from being stretched and damaged.