Bendable Display Support Frame With Segmented Rigid-Flex Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bendable intelligent terminals face limitations in achieving integrated rigid support and flexible deformation due to the sheet solid structure of supporting and rotating shafts, which restricts the size of functional modules like the display screen and battery, and are not suitable for wearable devices.

Innovation Solution

A support frame for a bendable display screen comprising a fixed part, a bendable part with multiple frame members and gaps, and an end part, where the bendable part includes a first and second bendable part connected with the end part, and both the end and fixed parts have limiting members to control the bent angle, allowing for rigid support and flexible deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sheet solid structure of supporting and rotating shaft is adopted, then local bending of a small area is achieved, but integrated design of rigid support and flexible deformation cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrated design capabilityVSAvoidrigid support stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is divided into a fixed part and multiple bendable parts, where the fixed part provides rigid support stability and the bendable parts enable flexible deformation. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between rigid support and flexible deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame transitions from a static sheet solid structure to a dynamic structure with controlled bendable sections. The bendable parts can dynamically adjust their curvature while the fixed part maintains structural stability, enabling integrated design of rigid support and flexible deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the structure of the supporting and rotating shaft is adopted, then bending function is achieved, but available internal space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending functionVSAvoidavailable internal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the support frame into fixed and bendable parts, the bending function is concentrated in specific regions rather than requiring a bulky supporting and rotating shaft structure throughout. This reduces the overall volume occupied by the bending mechanism, increasing available internal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bendable parts use thin-walled frame members that can flex and deform with minimal material volume, replacing the traditional thick supporting and rotating shaft structure. This maintains the bending function while significantly reducing the space required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the structure of the supporting and rotating shaft is adopted, then bending is achieved, but size of functional modules such as display screen or battery is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending capabilityVSAvoidfunctional module size
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation of the support frame creates a compact bending mechanism that occupies minimal space, thereby maximizing the area available for functional modules such as display screens and batteries. The fixed part provides stable mounting surface while bendable parts enable flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thin-walled bendable frame members require minimal space to achieve the desired bending capability, allowing functional modules to be sized according to performance requirements rather than being constrained by the bending mechanism's volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple frame members with gaps are used in the bendable part, then flexible deformation is enabled, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible deformationVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The frame members are segmented with gaps to enable flexible deformation, while the fixed part and limiting members provide structural stability. The segmentation allows controlled flexibility in bendable parts while maintaining overall structural integrity through the fixed portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gaps between frame members are designed with specific dimensions and distributions that optimize both flexibility and stability. By carefully controlling the gap parameters, the structure achieves sufficient flexibility for deformation while maintaining structural stability through the rigid connections at fixed parts and limiting members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3913461B1Support frame for bendable display screen, and bendable display screen
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3913461B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3913461B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3913461B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A support frame for a bendable display screen includes: a fixed part; a bendable part connected with the fixed part; and an end part arranged at an end of the support frame. The bendable part includes a first bendable part and a second bendable part. The first bendable part includes a plurality of first frame members connected with one another, and the plurality of first frame members have a gap therebetween. The second bendable part is connected with the end part. Both the end part and the fixed part are provided with a limiting member.