Foldable Display Hinge Module With Sliding Units Against Buckling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices experience significant bending stress in the area corresponding to the folding portion of the flexible display module, leading to potential damage and buckling when transitioning between unfolded and folded states.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a hinge module with multiple rotating and sliding units connected by brackets, allowing for relative movement between housing components to reduce stress on the flexible display module during state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hinge structure is used to connect the first housing and second housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the bending stress on the flexible display module increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module is divided into multiple independent units (first unit, second unit, third unit, fourth unit) that can rotate about different parallel rotation axes. Each unit independently manages a portion of the bending stress, preventing concentration of stress at a single location on the flexible display module.
Solution Approach 2:
Brackets are introduced as intermediary components that connect the rotating units to the housings. These brackets provide additional support and stress distribution points, acting as mediators that transfer and disperse the bending forces away from the flexible display module.
2Stress or pressure
If multiple rotating and sliding units are used in the hinge module to reduce bending stress, then the stress on the flexible display module is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge module merges multiple functional units (rotation and sliding mechanisms) into a single integrated assembly that connects the first and second housings. This unified structure provides comprehensive stress management while maintaining a compact form factor, balancing the complexity increase with functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module incorporates dynamic sliding connections in addition to rotation, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration during folding and unfolding. This dynamic capability enables the hinge to optimize stress distribution throughout the range of motion, reducing peak stresses on the display module.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge module allows sliding movement between units and brackets, then the flexibility and stress reduction capability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding connections are implemented with specific local features (guideways, slots, or rails) that concentrate the precision requirements to specific localized areas rather than requiring uniform precision throughout the entire hinge module. This allows for targeted manufacturing approaches in critical zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge module design incorporates tolerances and clearance parameters that allow for practical manufacturing variations while maintaining functional performance. By carefully selecting sliding clearance parameters and guide geometry, the system achieves sufficient flexibility without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing.
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
This design effectively minimizes bending stress and buckling in the flexible display module, ensuring the display remains flat and reduces the risk of damage during folding and unfolding.
Implementation Method 1
a first unit configured to rotate about a first rotation axis, a second unit configured to rotate about a second rotation axis that is parallel to and spaced apart from the first rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
the first unit and the first bracket are connected to be slidable relative to each other in a first linear direction
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing and a second housing, and a hinge module connecting the first housing and the second housing, wherein the hinge module includes a first unit configured to rotate about a first rotation axis, a second unit configured to rotate about a second rotation axis that is parallel to and spaced apart from the first rotation axis, and a first bracket connected to the first unit and the second unit, and fixed to the first housing, wherein the first unit and the first bracket are connected to be slidable relative to each other in a first linear direction, and the second unit and the first bracket are connected to be slidable relative to each other in a second linear direction different from the first linear direction, wherein, in case that an angle between the first housing and the second housing changes, the first unit and the first bracket slide relative to each other, and the second unit and the first bracket slide relative to each other.