Slidable Hinge Mechanism for Foldable Display Bending Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern foldable computing devices face challenges in achieving a balance between portability and functionality due to complex hinge mechanisms that can lead to stress and damage on the display components, resulting in unnatural folding motions and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism comprising multiple hinge segments with ball joints and sockets allows for natural folding and unfolding motions, maintaining the display within allowable bending radius limits while preventing excessive compression or tension, using a sliding mechanism to adjust positions and maintain planarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex hinge mechanisms are used to support foldable displays, then the device can achieve folding functionality, but the mechanism introduces stress on display components and may cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is divided into multiple individual hinge segments (e.g., 6 segments) that can independently move and adjust. Each segment is connected via ball joints, allowing the display to fold in a controlled manner that distributes stress across multiple segments rather than concentrating it in a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism employs dynamic ball joints that allow rotational movement between hinge segments. This dynamic capability enables the display to achieve various folding angles and configurations while maintaining smooth motion that prevents sudden stress spikes on display components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex hinge mechanisms are used to enable folding, then folding functionality is achieved, but the mechanism produces artificial folding motion
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the hinge into multiple independent sections connected by ball joints, the mechanism replicates the natural way flexible materials fold. Each segment can rotate independently, creating a progressive folding motion that mimics natural bending rather than forcing an artificial single-point hinge movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball joint design allows the hinge segments to rotate through a range of angles, changing the folding parameters dynamically. This enables the mechanism to adapt to different folding configurations and produce smooth, natural-looking motion rather than rigid, artificial movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex hinge mechanisms are used to support foldable displays, then folding functionality is provided, but the mechanism is susceptible to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is segmented into multiple simple, identical units rather than one complex integrated mechanism. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing, testing, and replacement of individual segments, reducing overall system complexity and improving reliability through modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
Ball joints serve as simple intermediary elements between hinge segments, providing a reliable and well-understood mechanical connection. These standardized ball joint components are easier to manufacture and maintain than complex custom hinge mechanisms, reducing failure points and simplifying the overall system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex hinge mechanisms are used to enable folding, then folding functionality is achieved, but excessive compression and tension are exerted on display components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hinge segments distribute the mechanical stress of folding across several connection points rather than concentrating compression and tension forces at a single hinge location. This segmentation reduces the harmful stress on any individual display component during the folding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic ball joint connections allow the hinge to adapt its movement pattern during folding, distributing forces more evenly across the display components. This dynamic adjustment prevents excessive compression and tension by allowing gradual stress distribution throughout the folding sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable device may include a foldable layer and a hinge subassembly including a hinge mechanism and a sliding mechanism. The hinge mechanism may include a plurality of hinge segments, arranged in a plurality of rows, and with adjacent hinge segments movably coupled by a plurality of joint assemblies, based on a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration of the foldable device. The sliding mechanism may be coupled to the hinge mechanism, to provide for further adjustment of relative positions of the plurality of hinge segments based on the folded and unfolded configuration of the foldable device.