Rotating Shaft Folding Mechanism for Bidirectional Display Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in efficiently switching between unfolded and folded states while ensuring smooth bending and preventing damage to flexible display panels.

Innovation Solution

A folding mechanism comprising a supporting beam, rotating shaft assembly, transmission assembly, and bearing frames that allow a flexible display panel to switch between multiple forms, including an unfolded and folded state, while being supported and protected during the folding process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display panel is folded without proper support and protection, then the device can switch between forms, but the display panel is prone to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveform switching capabilityVSAvoiddisplay panel durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple rotating shafts (positioning shaft and transmission shafts) distributed along the length direction, with the display panel segmented into flat areas and a bending area. This segmentation allows controlled folding at specific locations while maintaining support integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A transmission assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the rotating shafts and the display panel. It includes transmission components that sequentially couple individual rotating shafts, enabling coordinated movement and protecting the display panel during form transitions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple rotating shafts are used to control folding, then precise positioning and synchronized movement are achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple transmission shafts are merged into a unified transmission assembly that sequentially couples all rotating shafts. This integration ensures synchronized movement of bearing frames while maintaining precise positioning through the interconnected shaft system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating shaft assembly serves multiple functions: the positioning shaft provides rotational support for bearing frames, while transmission shafts simultaneously provide structural support and transmit rotational motion to control the folding mechanism's movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If bearing frames are positioned on both sides of the positioning shaft, then bidirectional folding is enabled, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebidirectional foldingVSAvoidbearing frame arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing frames are asymmetrically arranged relative to the positioning shaft, with transmission shafts distributed on both sides. This asymmetric configuration enables bidirectional folding while maintaining a compact structure that leverages the symmetry of the transmission mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 bidirectional folding of flexible display panels with minimal risk of damage, maintaining functionality and image visibility across different forms.

Implementation Method 1

any rotating shaft is rotatable around an adjacent rotating shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

a transmission assembly sequentially coupling individual rotating shafts in series

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

a transmission assembly sequentially coupling individual rotating shafts in series along a distribution direction of the rotating shafts

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 4

a flexible display panel with a bending area and flat areas on both sides of the bending area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12481332B2Folding mechanism and display device

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 BEIJING BOE TECH DEV CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a folding mechanism, including: a supporting beam; a rotating shaft assembly, including a plurality of rotating shafts extended along a length direction of the supporting beam, wherein the plurality of rotating shafts include a positioning shaft and transmission shafts distributed on both sides of the positioning shaft, and the positioning shaft is disposed on the supporting beam; a transmission assembly sequentially coupling individual rotating shafts in series along a distribution direction of the rotating shafts, wherein any rotating shaft is rotatable around an adjacent rotating shaft; and two bearing frames coupled to both sides of the transmission assembly, wherein the two bearing frames are rotatable around the positioning shaft between a first form, an unfolded form and a second form under transmission of the rotating shaft assembly and the transmission assembly.