Backplate with Variable Stiffness for Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face a trade-off between folding property and flatness due to the constant modulus value in the folding region of their backplates, which affects the device's portability and display quality.
Innovation Solution
A backplate design with a flexible region containing magneto-rheological fluid and magnetic particles, whose rigidity is adjustable via an electromagnet, allowing for variable modulus values to enhance both folding and flatness based on magnetic field intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a low stiffness material is used in the folding region of the backplate, then the folding property is improved, but the flatness of the display device is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The backplate incorporates a variable stiffness mechanism that dynamically adjusts the rigidity of the folding region based on operational state. When folding is required, the material becomes flexible; when flatness is required, the material becomes rigid, allowing the system to adapt its mechanical properties in real-time rather than being fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of stiffness in the folding region by using materials or mechanisms with variable modulus properties. This allows the backplate to transition between different stiffness states, enabling both easy folding and maintained flatness depending on the operational requirements.
2Shape
If the stiffness of the folding region is increased to improve flatness, then the flatness is improved, but the folding property is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The backplate system dynamically adjusts the stiffness of the folding region to be high when flatness is needed and low when folding is needed, reversing the static approach and allowing optimal performance in both states through active control of mechanical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes materials or mechanisms that can change their modulus value in response to control signals, enabling the folding region to transition from a rigid state (for flatness) to a flexible state (for folding), thus resolving the trade-off through parameter variability.
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 adjustable rigidity of the flexible region improves the folding property when folded and the flatness when unfolded, optimizing the balance between portability and display quality.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible region has at least one electromagnet and encloses a magneto-rheological fluid that suspends magnetic particles. The rigidity of the flexible region may be adjusted based on change in a magnetic field generated by the at least one electromagnet.
Data Source
AI summary
A backplate of a display device has a first rigid region, a second rigid region spaced apart from the first rigid region, and a flexible region between the first rigid region and the second rigid region. The flexible region includes an electromagnet and encloses a magneto-rheological fluid that suspends magnetic particles. The rigidity of the flexible region changes responsive to changes in magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.