Sliding-Rotating Hinge Structure for Compact Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinges for in-folding foldable electronic devices have complex structures with a large number of parts, making them bulky and inefficient, which poses a challenge in achieving a more compact design while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism comprising a stationary seat and two rotating units with a linkage module, rotating bracket module, and sliding module, which allows for compact configuration by sliding and rotating components to accommodate a flexible display, optimizing space efficiency and mechanical support through a coordinated movement of arcuate slide rails, inclined guiding portions, and elongated slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hinge structures are used for in-folding foldable electronic devices, then the flexible display can be supported and folded between closed and opened states, but the hinge structure becomes complex with a large number of parts, resulting in increased device bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components into an integrated hinge structure where the linkage module, rotating bracket module, and sliding module work together as a unified mechanism. The connecting frame integrates multiple functions including supporting the flexible display, guiding rotation, and enabling sliding movement, thereby reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism employs a nested configuration where the rotating bracket module is positioned within the connecting frame, and the sliding module is integrated within the rotating bracket module. This nested arrangement allows compact packaging of multiple functional elements, reducing overall structural complexity and device bulkiness while preserving the support capability for the flexible display
2Reliability
If conventional hinge structures with many parts are used, then the flexible display can be properly supported, but the overall device size increases and space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism employs dynamic movement where the connecting frame simultaneously performs sliding and rotating motions. The sliding module enables linear displacement along the arcuate slide rail, while the rotating bracket module provides rotational movement around the axle rod. This dynamic multi-degree-of-freedom movement allows the hinge to achieve compact configuration during folding operations while maintaining adequate support for the flexible display
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism transitions from conventional single-axis rotation to a two-dimensional movement pattern combining sliding along an arcuate path with rotation around an axle rod. The connecting frame moves along the arcuate slide rail in one dimension while simultaneously rotating in another dimension, creating a more efficient space utilization that reduces the volume occupied by the hinge mechanism while preserving display support functionality
3Device complexity
If a compact hinge design is implemented with fewer parts, then device bulkiness is reduced, but the complexity of coordinating multiple moving components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules: the linkage module with arcuate slide rail, the rotating bracket module with axle rod and inclined guiding portion, and the sliding module with connecting frame. Each module is designed to perform a specific function, and their interfaces are simplified through standardized connection elements such as the positioning pin and elongated slot, thereby reducing the complexity of coordinating multiple components while enabling compact design
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge includes a stationary seat and two rotating units. Each rotating unit includes a linkage module that has an extension body that has a arcuate slide rail, a rotating bracket module that is rotatable and that has a fixing pin, and a sliding module that includes a connecting frame, a positioning pin, and a linkage member. The connecting frame has a curved groove that engages the arcuate slide rail such that movement of the rotating units between an opened and a closed state results in movement between the arcuate slide rail and the curved groove. The linkage member has a through hole, and an elongated slot which the fixing pin passes through to connect the rotating bracket module such that movement of the rotating units between the opened and closed states results in movement between the fixing pin and the elongated slot.