Positionable Hinge Mechanism for Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge mechanisms for flexible display devices lack a reliable method to angularly position substrates effectively, failing to maintain positional stability once manual force is released.
Innovation Solution
A positionable hinge mechanism comprising sliding bodies, force-transmission units, and a shift pin, which allows for manual angular positioning of substrates and retains the position through frictional forces after manual force is released, utilizing worm gears and sector gears to guide and secure the substrates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge mechanism with linkage unit and resilient unit is used, then the hinge can rotate from folded state to spring-out state, but the linkage unit cannot maintain a stable angular position once manual force is released
Solution Approach 1:
The shift pin acts as an intermediary element between the first and second sliding bodies. When positioned in the groove of the second sliding body, it mechanically couples the two sliding bodies together, preventing relative movement and maintaining the angular position. This intermediary component transfers and locks the positional relationship between the substrates without requiring continuous external force.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding unit and shift pin mechanism are designed to preemptively counteract any unintended movement of the sliding bodies. The groove structure in the second sliding body and the corresponding structure in the first sliding body create a preliminary constraint system that prevents the sliding bodies from moving relative to each other once the shift pin is engaged, thereby maintaining positional stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the linkage unit is designed to rotate freely with torsional resistance only when rotated further from spring-out state, then rotation is permitted, but precise angular positioning and retention are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from a static torque resistance system to a dynamic positioning system. The sliding bodies can move relative to each other during the rotation process, allowing the hinge to adapt to different angular positions. Once the desired position is reached, the shift pin engages with the groove to lock the position dynamically, providing both movement freedom and positional precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding unit and shift pin mechanism enables the hinge to self-position and self-lock at the desired angular position. The user only needs to apply manual force to move the sliding bodies to the target position; the mechanism then automatically maintains this position through the engagement of the shift pin with the groove, without requiring additional external force or complex control systems.
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
Enables stable angular positioning of substrates relative to each other, maintaining the desired orientation without additional external force, enhancing the flexibility and usability of flexible display devices.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second force-transmission units is configured to be coupled to the shift pin, and is coupled to be driven by a respective one of the first and second substrates such that in response to application of a manual force upon at least one of the first and second substrates, the first sliding body is moveable relative to the second sliding body between the close position and a remote position, and such that once the manual force is released, the first sliding body is immovable relative to the second sliding body
Data Source
AI summary
An angularly positionable flexible display device includes a flexible display, a first substrate, a second substrate, and a positionable hinge mechanism which is disposed in a mounting space defined between the first and second substrates. In response to application of a manual force upon at least one of the first and second substrates, the first substrate is angularly displaceable relative to the second substrate through the positionable hinge mechanism to permit the flexible display to be bent with the angular displacement of the first and second substrates. Once the manual force is release, the first substrate is angularly positioned relative to the second substrate through frictional force provided by the positionable hinge mechanism.