Sliding Hinge Structure Beneath Flexible Displays for Thinner Foldables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in minimizing the exposure of hinges and maximizing screen-to-body ratio due to the thickness and visibility of hinge structures, which increases the overall size and thickness of the device.
Innovation Solution
A sliding-type hinge structure is disposed beneath the folded flexible display, allowing the hinge to slide between guide and housing members, minimizing exposure and thickness, and enabling a larger screen area when unfolded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hinge structure is disposed on opposite sides of a display, then the hinge can provide rotation functionality, but the hinge is exposed to the product exterior and increases the product size
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is relocated from a lateral position (opposite sides of display) to a longitudinal position (beneath the folded display), utilizing the thickness dimension to hide the hinge while maintaining rotation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A protective mechanism or exterior cover is introduced as an intermediary element to cover the hinge when disposed beneath the display, preventing direct exposure while maintaining compact dimensions
2Ease of manufacture
If a hinge is disposed under the folded display to prevent exposure, then hinge visibility is reduced, but the product thickness increases due to the region occupied by the hinge
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is nested within the display assembly, with the hinge disposed beneath the folded display and covered by the protective mechanism, creating a compact layered structure that minimizes external dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge structure incorporates a sliding mechanism that allows the hinge to move between extended and retracted positions, enabling the hinge to be hidden when not in use while maintaining rotation functionality when needed
3Area of stationary object
If a sliding-type hinge structure is used beneath the flexible display, then the hinge visibility is minimized and screen-to-body ratio is maximized, but the hinge structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure is divided into separate functional components including a hinge member, guide member, and protective mechanism, allowing each component to be optimized independently while working together to achieve the desired compact form factor
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device includes a housing including a first part and a second part; a flexible display seated on the first part and the second part; and a hinge structure configured to fold and unfold the first part and the second part of the housing. The hinge structure includes a hinge member including a sliding part and a connection part extending from the sliding part and connected to the first part or the second part; a guide member; and a hinge housing covering the hinge member and the guide member. The guide member is fastened to the hinge housing to form a space with the hinge housing, and the sliding part is received in the space and performs a sliding motion between the guide member and the hinge housing.