Rotatable Coupling Device for Flexible Display Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges are not suitable for flexible display screens as they cause deformation, leading to extension or compression that can damage the screen during unfolding/folding operations, limiting their application in foldable/unfoldable electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable coupling device with a hinge and responsive structure that includes a displaceable and non-displaceable section, where the displaceable section is connected to the folding sections and the flexible display screen is attached to the non-displaceable section, allowing the responsive structure to absorb deformation caused by the hinge, thereby minimizing the impact on the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional hinge is used to connect the flexible display screen to the folding sections, then the display screen can be rotated and unfolded/folded, but the hinge causes extension or compression deformation on the flexible display screen which can damage the screen
Solution Approach 1:
A responsive structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the hinge and the flexible display screen. This responsive structure includes a displaceable section that can move relative to the non-displaceable section, acting as a buffer to absorb the deformation caused by the hinge's rotational movement. The displaceable section is connected to the folding sections while the non-displaceable section connects to the flexible display screen, thereby mediating the harmful deformation effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The responsive structure incorporates a displaceable section that can dynamically adjust its position during the unfolding/folding operation. The displaceable section moves in response to the hinge's rotation, allowing the system to adapt to the changing geometric constraints. This dynamic adjustment enables the flexible display screen to maintain its integrity while still achieving the desired rotational movement.
2Device complexity
If the flexible display screen is fixed on the inner side or outer side of the hinge, then the connection is simplified, but the deformation amount caused by the hinge's pivotal rotation inevitably leads to extension or compression of the flexible display screen
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into distinct functional components: the hinge, the responsive structure (with displaceable and non-displaceable sections), and the flexible display screen. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently. The responsive structure serves as a deformation-absorbing layer between the hinge and the screen, protecting the screen from direct exposure to hinge-induced deformation while maintaining a relatively simple overall connection architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If a conventional hinge is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the flexible display screen cannot be applied to unfoldable/foldable electronic apparatus due to the deformation problem
Solution Approach 1:
The responsive structure serves as a bridging component that enables the flexible display screen to be adapted to foldable electronic apparatus. By introducing this intermediary layer with the displaceable section, the system maintains compatibility with conventional hinge mechanisms while adding the necessary deformation-absorbing capability. This allows the flexible display screen to be successfully integrated into unfoldable/foldable electronic devices without requiring a complete redesign of the connection mechanism.
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
The coupling device effectively absorbs deformation, preventing damage to the flexible display screen and enabling its wider application in electronic devices by ensuring smooth folding/unfolding without pulling or compression effects.
Implementation Method 1
the responsive structure is displaceable relative to the hinge to absorb the deformation amount on inner and outer sides caused by the hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A rotatable coupling device applied to flexible display screen includes two folding sections, a hinge disposed between the two folding sections and at least one responsive structure, which is connected with the folding sections. When the folding sections are unfolded/folded around the hinge, the responsive structure is unfolded/folded along with the folding sections. The folding sections and the responsive structure are relatively displaceable so that during the unfolding/folding process, the transmission of the deformation amount on inner and outer faces caused by the bending of the hinge can be interrupted. Therefore, the deformation amount is prevented from being further transmitted from the responsive structure outward. When the flexible display screen is coupled with the responsive structure, the responsive structure is able to absorb the deformation amount so as to eliminate the pulling or compression effect on the flexible display screen due to the deformation amount.