Rotatable Connector Hinge for Flexible Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connection devices for electronic devices, such as laptops, lack a mechanism to smoothly transition between bent and flattened states, leading to potential damage and wrinkles in flexible members like screens or covers.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with two adjacent connectors featuring a first and second connecting portion that are rotatably connected, allowing the connectors to rotate between a first and second limit position, supporting a flexible member in both bent and flattened states without wrinkles by adjusting the distance between connector ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connectors are rigidly connected to support flexible members, then structural stability is improved, but the flexible member develops wrinkles and damage due to inability to accommodate bending movements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector structure transitions from a rigid connection to a dynamic hinge connection, allowing the connectors to rotate relative to each other. This dynamic capability enables the connector to adapt to the bending movements of the flexible member, preventing wrinkles and damage while maintaining structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into multiple segments (first connector and second connector) that can move independently relative to each other through the hinge connection. This segmentation allows each part to accommodate different portions of the bending motion, protecting the flexible member effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connectors allow free rotation to accommodate flexible member bending, then flexibility is improved, but structural stability and position control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection provides controlled dynamics, allowing rotation only within specific limits determined by the hinge's mechanical constraints. This enables the connector to adapt to bending while maintaining stable positions at the extremes of the rotation range, preventing uncontrolled movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection changes the rotational parameter of the connector system, allowing controlled angular displacement between connectors. This parameter change enables the system to transition between stable states (bent and flattened positions) while maintaining control over the flexible member's configuration.
3Ease of manufacture
If the distance between connector ends is fixed, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the ability to support flexible member in both bent and flattened states without wrinkles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connection introduces dynamic adjustability to the distance between connector ends, allowing the distance to change as the connectors rotate relative to each other. This dynamic adjustment accommodates the flexible member's transition between bent and flattened states, preventing surface deformation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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 flexible and stable support of flexible members, preventing damage and wrinkles by smoothly transitioning between bent and flattened states, enhancing the durability and usability of electronic device components.
Implementation Method 1
The first connecting portion of a first connector of the two adjacent connectors is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion of a second connector of the two adjacent connectors. The first connector rotates relative to the second connector based on relative rotation between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection device includes two adjacent connectors, a first connecting portion, and a second connecting portion. The two adjacent connectors are configured to support a flexible member. The first connecting portion of a first connector of the two adjacent connectors is rotatably connected to the second connecting portion of a second connector of the two adjacent connectors. The first connector rotates relative to the second connector based on relative rotation between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The two adjacent connectors rotate to a first limit position and a second limit position based the relative rotations between the first connector and the second connector.