Projected Neutral Bend Axis Hinge for Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hinges for flexible electronic devices with OLED displays cause tension or compression stress on the display when the device is folded, as they typically position the neutral bend axis within the hinge, which is not ideal for the display's material properties.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design with two layers of segments connected by hinge pins, where the lengths of the segments in each layer can be varied to project the neutral bend axis away from the hinge pins, allowing the hinge to open and close while maintaining the display on the neutral bend axis, thus avoiding stress on the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional hinge is used to fold the device case, then the device can be folded for portability, but the display experiences tension or compression stress during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual-layer hinge structure where the neutral bend axis is projected from the hinge pin location to a separate dimension above or below it. This dimensional separation allows the display to remain positioned on the neutral bend axis during folding, eliminating stress while preserving the folding function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the hinge geometry by varying the lengths of segments in the first and second hinge layers relative to each other. By changing these dimensional parameters, the neutral bend axis location is projected away from the hinge pins, transforming the stress distribution pattern to protect the display.
2Device complexity
If the neutral bend axis is positioned within the hinge, then the hinge structure is simplified, but the display material experiences compression or tension stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the hinge rotation function from the neutral bend axis location by projecting it to another dimension (above or below the hinge pins). This allows the hinge structure to remain relatively simple while the display is positioned on the projected neutral axis, avoiding stress without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary geometric relationship where the neutral bend axis is projected to a location above or below the hinge pins through the dual-layer segment structure. This intermediary positioning allows the display to be mounted on the case while remaining on the neutral bend axis during folding.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If segment lengths in hinge layers are varied to project the neutral bend axis, then the display remains stress-free during folding, but the hinge mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the hinge into two separate hinge layers, each comprising multiple segments connected by hinge pins. This segmentation allows independent variation of segment lengths in each layer to project the neutral bend axis, while maintaining modular construction that manages complexity through systematic repetition of segment patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for folding a case along a hinge where the hinge is designed to project the neutral bend access of the fold to a layer affixed to an outer surface of the case.