Sliding Flexible Display Hinge Lock to Prevent Screen Scratching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible screens in electronic devices are prone to scratching or abnormal operation when pulled out and the device is closed, due to the lack of a mechanism to prevent folding.
Innovation Solution
A dual-shaft hinge system with a lock structure that restricts the rotation of the first shaft when the second body is pulled out, preventing the device from closing while the screen is extended, and allows folding when retracted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the flexible screen is pulled out to increase display area, then the display area is improved, but the screen is prone to scratching or abnormal operation when the device is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The lock structure is designed to automatically engage when the second body is in the pulled-out state, preventing folding before the screen can be damaged. This preliminary locking action ensures the screen is protected from scratching or abnormal operation before any harmful movement can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock structure acts as an intermediary mechanism between the first body and the second body. It mediates the relationship by restricting the rotation of the first shaft when the screen is extended, thereby preventing the harmful folding action while allowing the screen to remain in its extended protective state.
2Reliability
If a lock structure is added to prevent folding when screen is extended, then screen protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lock structure is merged with the existing hinge connection between the first body and the second body. By integrating the locking function into the connection device that already exists for hinge movement, the patent adds screen protection capability without requiring a completely separate mechanical system, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection device serving as the hinge is given multi-functionality: it not only enables the folding movement of the device but also incorporates the lock structure to prevent folding when the screen is extended. This universal component performs both the original hinge function and the new screen protection function, reducing the need for additional dedicated parts.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a first body, a second body, a connection device, and a flexible screen. The second body includes a first part and a second part. The second part is slidable to be pulled out relative to the first part to form an extended part or retracted to form a hidden part. The connection device connects the first body and the first part and includes a first shaft connected to the first part. The flexible screen covers the first body and the first part and covers the extended part when the second part is pulled out relative to the first part. The first part includes a lock structure. In response to the second part being retracted relative to the first part, the lock structure is in a first state.