Staged Snap Hinge for Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information handling systems with flexible displays face stress issues due to bending, which can affect the structural integrity and durability of the displays as they are adjusted between different positions.
Innovation Solution
A staged snap hinge assembly with bi-stable snapping bands and stabilizers that engage at specific angles to control and reduce stress on the flexible display, comprising materials like carbon fiber or Kevlar composite, and a flexible display that covers the hinge assembly, allowing for stable rotation between various positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display is used to enable bending between positions, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to stress from repeated bending
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly is segmented into multiple discrete snapping bands (first snapping band, second snapping band) that engage at different angles. This segmentation allows the bending stress to be distributed across multiple discrete engagement points rather than continuous bending, reducing cumulative stress on the flexible display while maintaining adaptability across multiple positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The snapping bands are pre-configured with bi-stable structures that engage at specific predetermined angles. This preliminary action creates predefined stable positions that guide the flexible display through controlled engagement points, preventing random or excessive bending and thereby protecting the display's structural integrity while maintaining versatility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple snapping bands engage at different angles, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple snapping bands with different engagement angles are merged into a single integrated hinge assembly. This combining approach provides stable multi-position support through a unified structure rather than separate mechanisms, maintaining stability across different angles while managing overall device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly is designed as a universal mechanism that performs multiple functions: it provides stable positioning at various angles, supports the flexible display during bending, and enables transitions between different configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while achieving stability.
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 manages stress on the flexible display, enhancing its structural integrity and durability by staging snapping bands to engage at specific angles, thereby maintaining stability and performance across different usage positions.
Implementation Method 1
a first snapping band with a bi-stable structure having an engaged and a disengaged position, the first snapping band configured to engage when the first and second housing portions are rotated at a first angle
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for rotationally coupling housing portions of an information handling system. An information handling system includes a housing having a first housing portion and a second housing portion. The information handling system also includes a hinge assembly coupling the first and second housing portions, the hinge assembly comprising a first snapping band with a bi-stable structure having an engaged and a disengaged position, the first snapping band configured to engage when the first and second housing portions are rotated at a first angle, and a second snapping band with a bi-stable structure having an engaged and a disengaged position, the second snapping band configured to engage when the first and second housing portions are rotated at a second angle. In addition, the information handling system includes a flexible display coupled to the first housing portion and the second housing portion.