Triple-Fold Hinge Linkage for Correct Display Folding Sequence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices with triple-foldable displays face issues where users may incorrectly fold the first and third display parts, leading to damage and compromising the reliability of the flexible display.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism with a linkage gear member and differential mechanisms that ensure synchronized and differential rotation of housing mounting brackets, allowing for correct folding sequences and preventing display damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually fold the first and third display parts without linkage control, then the device can be folded, but the flexible display may be damaged due to incorrect folding order
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a linkage mechanism as an intermediary between the first and third housing mounting brackets. This mechanism includes a linkage gear member with first and second gear segments that engage with connecting rods, automatically coordinating the folding motion of both display parts to prevent incorrect folding sequences that would damage the flexible display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by using the linkage mechanism to pre-establish the correct folding sequence before the user completes the folding operation. The mechanism ensures that the first display part folds to a predetermined angle before the third display part begins to fold, preventing damage before it can occur.
2Reliability
If a linkage mechanism is introduced to control folding sequence, then display damage is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage gear member serves multiple functions: it coordinates the folding sequence, limits the folding angle of the first display part, and enables the third display part to fold only after the first reaches the predetermined angle. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall mechanism complexity while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the angle limiting function and the sequence control function into the same linkage mechanism. The first gear segment of the linkage gear member engages with the first housing mounting bracket to limit its angle, while the second gear segment engages with the third housing mounting bracket to control its folding sequence, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms.
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 enables linkage folding of electronic devices, ensuring that the first and third housing parts rotate relative to the second housing part in the correct order, reducing the risk of display damage and enhancing user experience.
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
The third rotating gear is engaged with the fourth rotating gear. The third rotating gear and the fourth rotating gear are separately rotatably connected to the second base.
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. The second gear connecting rod and the third gear connecting rod are separately engaged with the linkage gear member for transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a hinge mechanism and an electronic device. The 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 disposed on the second housing mounting bracket, and is separately engaged with a second gear connecting rod and a third gear connecting rod for transmission. Regardless of whether the first housing mounting bracket or the third housing mounting bracket is first folded, the linkage gear member can implement linkage of rotation of the first housing mounting bracket and the third housing mounting bracket, to implement linkage folding of the electronic device.