Synchronous Hinge Structure for Flexible Panel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hinge structures for electronic devices with flexible panels often cause damage due to misalignment and uneven distribution of force when bending or unfolding, as the carriers may separate and become misaligned with the hinge structure, leading to potential damage to the flexible panel.

Innovation Solution

A hinge structure comprising a plurality of pivots, a driving part, two positioning gear sets, and fixing parts that allow synchronous movement and rotation under external force, ensuring the carriers move in tandem to maintain alignment and prevent damage during folding or unfolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed binding position is used between carrier and hinge structure, then the structure is simple, but the flexible panel may separate and misalign from the carrier when bent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge structureVSAvoidflexible panel alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic binding mechanism where the carrier can move relative to the hinge structure through a slide. This dynamic adjustment allows the carrier to adapt to changes in the flexible panel's length during bending, preventing separation and misalignment while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary between the carrier and hinge structure. This elastic member acts as a mediator that absorbs dimensional changes during bending through its elastic deformation, ensuring continuous contact and proper alignment between the carrier and flexible panel without requiring complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an elastic member is added to the hinge structure, then the carriers can adjust position, but the abutting manner has insufficient distribution of applied points causing deviation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier position adjustmentVSAvoidcarrier movement smoothness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the elastic member into multiple segments or distributes multiple elastic members at different positions along the hinge structure. This segmentation distributes the applied force points, preventing concentration of stress at a single location and ensuring smooth, deviation-free movement of the carriers during bending operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the elastic member with the slide mechanism into an integrated assembly. This merging ensures that the elastic force and the sliding motion work together synergistically, distributing the applied points evenly and guiding the carrier movement smoothly without deviation during the bending process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If carriers move unsmoothly during hinge rotation, then the structure is simple, but the flexible panel may be damaged during unfolding or closing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge structureVSAvoidflexible panel damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic system where the carrier's position is not fixed but can adjust continuously during hinge rotation through the slide mechanism. This dynamic adjustment ensures smooth movement throughout the entire range of motion, preventing sudden jerks or stops that could damage the flexible panel during unfolding or closing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates an elastic member that provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing shocks and smoothing out force variations during carrier movement. This cushioning effect occurs in advance of potential impact points, ensuring smooth operation and preventing damage to the flexible panel during the bending process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 proposed hinge structure effectively synchronizes the movement of carriers to prevent misalignment and damage to the flexible panel by rotating pivots around a central axis, ensuring smooth operation and improved bending tolerance through the use of positioning gear sets and elastic support plates.

Implementation Method 1

the driving part is adapted to generate a bending to drive the plurality of pivots to rotate synchronously with respect to a central axis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBending: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

Two positioning gear sets are respectively sleeved at both ends of each of the pivots

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentUS11019742B2Hinge structure and electronic device having the same

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A hinge structure including a plurality of pivots, a driving part, two positioning gear sets, and a plurality of fixing parts is provided. The pivots are parallel to each other. The driving part is disposed at a central portion of the pivots and is perpendicular to the pivots. These two positioning gear sets are respectively sleeved around two ends of each of the pivots. The fixing parts are respectively disposed outside these two positioning gear sets. When the plurality of fixing parts is under the action of an external force, the two gear sets are moved relative to each other, and the driving part is adapted to be bent and drives the pivots to rotate synchronously with respect to a central axis.