Triple-Fold Hinge Linkage for Flexible Display Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable electronic devices with triple-foldable designs face issues where users may incorrectly fold the first and third display parts, leading to damage of the flexible display.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism is introduced, comprising a first base, a second base, housing mounting brackets, rotating mechanisms, and a linkage gear member, which enables linkage folding of the electronic device by synchronizing the rotation of the first and third housing mounting brackets relative to the second housing mounting bracket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a triple-foldable device with flexible display is designed to allow independent folding of first and third display parts, then the device achieves greater folding flexibility and compactness, but the risk of user error increases leading to potential damage to the flexible display
Solution Approach 1:
A linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the first and third display parts, ensuring they fold in a coordinated manner. The linkage mechanism includes linkage members connected to both display parts, which transmit folding motion and prevent incorrect folding sequences that could damage the flexible display.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism employs dynamic control through rotating mechanisms and linkage members that adapt the folding behavior based on the current state. The system dynamically adjusts the folding sequence and synchronization to prevent damage while maintaining flexibility in different folding configurations.
2Device complexity
If independent hinge mechanisms are used for each display part, then the device structure becomes simpler and easier to manufacture, but synchronized folding control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hinge mechanisms into an integrated linkage system where the first hinge mechanism, second hinge mechanism, and linkage mechanism work together as a unified structure. This merging allows synchronized folding control while maintaining relative simplicity of individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge system is segmented into modular components (first hinge mechanism, second hinge mechanism, linkage members) that can be manufactured separately and assembled together. This segmentation maintains ease of manufacture while enabling complex synchronized folding behavior through the interconnection of segments.
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 hinge mechanism ensures that the first and third housing mounting brackets rotate in sync, regardless of the order in which they are folded, thereby preventing damage to the flexible display and ensuring reliable linkage folding of the electronic device.
Implementation Method 1
The first rotating gear is engaged with the second rotating gear. The first rotating gear and the second rotating gear are separately rotatably connected to the first base.
Implementation Method 2
One end of the first gear connecting rod is engaged with the first rotating gear, and the other end is slidably connected to the first housing mounting bracket.
Implementation Method 3
The linkage gear member is disposed on the second housing mounting bracket. The linkage gear member is located between the second gear connecting rod and the third gear connecting rod.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge mechanism includes a first base, a second base, a first housing mounting bracket, a second housing mounting bracket, a third housing mounting bracket, a first rotating mechanism, a second rotating mechanism, and a linkage gear member. The second housing mounting bracket is rotatably connected between the first base and the second base. The first housing mounting bracket is rotatably connected to a side that is of the first base and that is away from the second housing mounting bracket. The third housing mounting bracket is rotatably connected to a side that is of the second base and that is away from the second housing mounting bracket. The first rotating mechanism is disposed on the first base. The second rotating mechanism is disposed on the second base. The linkage gear member is separately engaged with a second gear connecting rod and a third gear connecting rod for transmission.