Bendable Display Substrate Rigid Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bendable electronic devices face challenges in protecting sensitive components like displays from damage due to bending, as current solutions do not adequately prevent excessive curvature that can lead to stress and strain on the display.
Innovation Solution
A bendable display apparatus with a substrate featuring a bendable portion that can move between open and closed configurations, supported by a support structure comprising rigid projections or a pivotable member to prevent excessive curvature, ensuring the display remains within a safe deformation threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the substrate is made bendable to enable folding between open and closed configurations, then the device achieves compactness and portability, but the display and sensitive components are vulnerable to damage from excessive curvature and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into a rigid portion and a bendable portion, separating the functions of structural support and flexible deformation. The rigid portion houses the display and electronics, while the bendable portion enables folding without compromising component safety.
Solution Approach 2:
A support structure acts as an intermediary element between the bendable substrate and the rigid display components. This support structure provides mechanical reinforcement to the bendable portion, preventing excessive curvature while allowing the folding motion to occur.
2Reliability
If a support structure is added to protect the display from excessive curvature, then the reliability of the display is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is integrated with the bendable portion of the substrate, combining the protective function with the existing flexible structure. This merging approach avoids adding separate, independent protective mechanisms that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes thin, flexible materials that can bend with the substrate while providing mechanical reinforcement. This allows the support structure to accommodate the folding motion without adding rigid, complex mechanical assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If the bendable portion is designed to allow frequent folding and unfolding, then the ease of operation is improved, but the display and components are exposed to repeated stress and strain that could cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed in advance to cushion and absorb the mechanical stress generated during folding and unfolding operations. This pre-engineered protection prevents excessive stress from reaching the display and sensitive components during repeated use.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method wherein the apparatus includes a bendable display; a substrate configured to support the bendable display wherein the substrate includes at least one bendable portion configured to enable the bendable display to be moved between an open configuration and a closed configuration; and a support structure provided adjacent to the bendable portion of the substrate configured to provide a rigid support for the bendable portion of the substrate, at least, when the display is in the closed configuration.