Rotating Shaft Assembly for Gapless Flexible Screen Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rotating shaft assemblies for flexible electronic devices are complex, requiring numerous components, leading to difficulties in control and high costs, which hinders the popularization of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A simplified rotating shaft assembly design featuring a base and two first rotating members that rotate in opposite directions, with a specific configuration of rotation axes and connecting ends to support a flexible screen, allowing for a waterdrop-shaped fold that eliminates gaps between screen halves, reducing component complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rotating shaft assembly structure is used, then the flexible screen can be supported and folded, but the structure becomes complex with numerous components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into fewer components. The first rotating member integrates the function of supporting the flexible screen and enabling rotation, while the second rotating member handles the folding motion. This merging reduces the total number of components from traditional complex assemblies to just two rotating members plus a base, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first rotating member serves multiple purposes: it supports the flexible screen, enables rotation about the first rotation axis, and connects to both the base and the housing. The second rotating member similarly handles folding while connecting to the first rotating member and housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex rotating shaft assembly is used, then the flexible screen can be folded, but the control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the folding mechanism into two independent rotation stages: the first rotating member handles rotation about the first rotation axis, and the second rotating member handles rotation about the second rotation axis. This segmentation allows each component to be controlled independently, simplifying the overall control logic compared to a single complex rotating assembly that would require coordinated control of multiple interconnected parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic rotation capabilities where the first and second rotating members can rotate independently about their respective axes. This dynamic design allows flexible control of the folding motion, enabling the system to adapt to different folding states (folded, unfolded, partially folded) by controlling the rotation angles of the two members independently, making operation easier than rigid fixed-structure alternatives.
3Reliability
If a traditional rotating shaft assembly is used, then the flexible screen can be supported, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple support and rotation functions into just two rotating members and a base, the patent reduces the total component count compared to traditional assemblies. Fewer components mean lower material costs, simpler assembly processes, and reduced manufacturing complexity, directly lowering production costs while maintaining the essential support function for the flexible screen.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing support and rotation functionality only where needed through strategically placed rotating members, rather than using a complex assembly throughout. The first rotating member is positioned to support the flexible screen and enable rotation, while the second rotating member is positioned to enable folding, creating a cost-effective solution that provides support function with minimal necessary components.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating shaft assembly and an electronic device are disclosed. The rotating shaft assembly includes a base and two first rotating members that rotate in opposite directions. Each first rotating member includes a first connecting end and a second connecting end disposed opposite to the first connecting end. The first connecting end is rotatably connected to the base. The second connecting end is configured to be rotatably connected to a corresponding housing. Each first rotating member is configured to cooperate with the corresponding housing that is rotatable about a first rotation axis to support a flexible screen. Each first rotating member is rotatable about a second rotation axis. Two first rotation axes are located between two second rotation axes. The rotating shaft assembly has a folded state where a distance between two first connecting ends is greater than a distance between two second connecting ends.