Shape-Memory Hinge Shield for 360-Degree Foldable Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foldable display apparatuses made of metal or plastic materials can only achieve 180-degree folding and lack the durability to withstand 360-degree folding, while those using soft glue materials are prone to collapse under pressure, leading to damage and reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display apparatus featuring a rotating shaft protection member made of shape-memory alloy, which transitions between austenitic and martensitic phases to provide structural support and flexibility, enabling 360-degree folding and protecting the rotating shaft assembly from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If metal or plastic materials are used for the rotating shaft protection member, then structural support is provided, but the foldable display apparatus can only achieve 180-degree folding and lacks durability for 360-degree folding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidfolding angle range

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating shaft protection member utilizes phase transition parameters of shape-memory alloy material. When temperature changes occur during folding operations, the material transitions between austenitic and martensitic phases, fundamentally changing its mechanical properties from rigid to flexible and back, thereby enabling 360-degree folding while maintaining structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs shape-memory alloy as a composite material that combines characteristics of both rigid structural materials and flexible materials. This composite material exhibits temperature-dependent phase transitions, allowing it to provide structural support when needed and become flexible for extreme folding angles, resolving the contradiction between strength and folding adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If soft glue materials are used for the rotating shaft protection member, then flexibility is achieved, but the material collapses under pressure leading to damage and reduced service life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding flexibilityVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The shape-memory alloy material undergoes parameter changes through phase transitions. During folding, the material transitions to a flexible martensitic phase that allows bending without collapse. When pressure is applied or temperature changes, it transitions to the rigid austenitic phase that resists collapse, thereby maintaining both flexibility and reliability throughout the service life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating shaft protection member employs dynamic material properties through phase transitions. The material dynamically switches between flexible and rigid states based on operational conditions, allowing it to be flexible during folding while resisting collapse under pressure, thus achieving both adaptability and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the rotating shaft protection member is made rigid to protect the rotating shaft assembly, then protection is provided, but the device cannot withstand pressure during extreme folding states

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidpressure resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 shape-memory alloy rotating shaft protection member enhances the foldable display apparatus's ability to withstand pressure, ensuring 360-degree folding without damage and prolonging its service life by providing necessary rigidity and ductility in different bent states.

Implementation Method 1

the rotating shaft protection member is made of a shape-memory alloy. When the foldable display apparatus is in different bent states, the rotating shaft protection member assumes different bulk phase states. The bulk phase states include an austenitic phase and a martensitic phase.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape-memory alloy phase transition: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

When the bent state of the foldable display apparatus is an inward folded state, the rotating shaft protection member assumes an austenitic phase; and when the bent state of the foldable display apparatus is an outward folded state, the rotating shaft protection member assumes a martensitic phase.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBulk phase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS12089354B2Foldable display apparatus and electronic device

Publication Date: 2024.09.10 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A foldable display apparatus includes a first shell (10), a second shell (20), a rotating shaft assembly, and a rotating shaft protection member (30); the rotating shaft assembly is located between the first shell (10) and the second shell (20) and connected to each of the first shell (10) and the second shell (20); the rotating shaft protection member (30) covers the rotating shaft assembly; the rotating shaft protection member (30) is made of a shape-memory alloy.