Slider-Crank Shaft Mechanism for Foldable Display Bend Radius
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face damage due to repeated folding, primarily because the existing rotating shaft mechanisms fail to provide uniform curvature deformation, leading to stress concentration and potential damage during folding and unfolding processes.
Innovation Solution
A rotating shaft mechanism comprising a main body, first and second support plates, a middle support plate, and swing arms that form slider-crank mechanisms, allowing the middle support plate to move relative to the main body, creating a triangular accommodation space to increase the curvature radius of the flexible display and prevent squeezing, while also simplifying the mechanical linkage for easier implementation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rotating shaft mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the flexible display suffers from non-uniform curvature deformation leading to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple support plates (first support plate, second support plate, third support plate) that can independently rotate and adjust. Each support plate is connected to the main body through separate rotating shafts, allowing independent curvature control of different segments of the flexible display, thereby achieving uniform curvature deformation and preventing display damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating shaft mechanisms are designed to enable dynamic adjustment of support plate positions during the folding process. The first, second, and third support plates can rotate at different angles and speeds, dynamically adapting to the folding curvature requirements at various stages, ensuring uniform stress distribution and preventing creasing or damage to the flexible display.
2Ease of manufacture
If the rotating shaft mechanism is simplified, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the ability to provide uniform curvature deformation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple independent support plates (first, second, and third support plates), each with its own rotating shaft mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using standard manufacturing processes, simplifying production while enabling precise control of curvature deformation at different locations to ensure uniformity across the entire flexible display.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating shaft mechanisms are designed with adjustable parameters including rotation angles, rotation speeds, and positions of support plates. By dynamically changing these parameters during the folding process, the system can achieve uniform curvature deformation across the flexible display while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure that is easy to manufacture.
3Reliability
If multiple support plates are used to achieve uniform curvature, then the flexible display is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into three support plates (first, second, and third) that work together to distribute the folding stress. Each support plate is connected to the main body through separate rotating shafts, creating a modular system that provides comprehensive protection for the flexible display while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple support plates and rotating shafts serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, enable uniform curvature deformation, control folding kinetics, and protect the flexible display from damage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing overall device complexity while enhancing reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the support plates rotate toward each other during folding, then the curvature radius increases preventing squeezing, but the mechanical linkage becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support plates are designed to dynamically rotate toward each other during the folding process, with the first, second, and third support plates adjusting their positions in coordination. This dynamic movement increases the curvature radius at critical folding points, preventing squeezing and creasing of the flexible display, while the mechanical linkage is designed to achieve this through relatively simple rotating connections rather than complex mechanisms.
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 solution effectively prolongs the service life of flexible displays by distributing stress evenly and preventing damage during folding and unfolding, ensuring a uniform curvature that reduces the risk of extrusion and creasing, thus enhancing the reliability and portability of foldable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the first swing arm, the main body, and the first support plate may form a slider-crank. Similarly, the second swing arm, the main body, and the second support plate also form a slider-crank
Implementation Method 2
the first swing arm, the main body, and the first support plate may form a slider-crank. Similarly, the second swing arm, the main body, and the second support plate also form a slider-crank
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide a rotating shaft mechanism applicable to the field of foldable displays of electronic device technologies. The rotating shaft mechanism includes a main body, a first support plate, a second support plate, a middle support plate, a first swing arm, and a second swing arm. The first swing arm, the main body, and the first support plate may form a slider-crank, and the second swing arm, the main body, and the second support plate also form a slider-crank. The middle support plate may move relative to the main body when driven by at least one of the first support plate, the second support plate, the first swing arm, or the second swing arm.