Bendable Support Apparatus for Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays are prone to improper bending and breakage when used in a folded state, lacking effective support structures to manage curvature and stress.
Innovation Solution
A bendable support apparatus comprising a support unit with coaxially and synchronously pivoting units that allow the flexible display to transition between unfolded and folded states without damaging the device, using sliding rails and frictional engagement mechanisms to manage curvature and stress at the neutral layer of the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible display is folded without proper support structure, then the device can be compacted for portability, but the display is prone to improper bending and breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The support apparatus is divided into multiple support members (first support member, second support member, etc.) that can independently pivot relative to each other. Each support member contains sliding rails and protrusions that segment the bending motion into controlled increments, preventing uncontrolled folding that could damage the flexible display.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members act as intermediary structures between the flexible display and the external environment. These members with their sliding rails and protrusions mediate the folding motion, ensuring that the display bends only along predetermined safe paths and angles, thereby protecting it from improper bending while enabling folded state capability.
2Reliability
If rigid support structure is used for the flexible display, then the display is protected from bending damage, but the device cannot be folded for portability
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with pivoting capabilities and sliding mechanisms that allow the structure to dynamically change its configuration. The sliding rails with protrusions enable controlled relative motion between support members, transforming the structure from a static rigid form to a dynamic system that can adapt between extended (protected) and folded (portable) states.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members incorporate arcuate sliding rails that guide the pivoting motion along curved paths. This curvature design ensures that when the support members pivot relative to each other, they create smooth bending radii that protect the flexible display from sharp folds, enabling both protection and foldability.
3Reliability
If multiple support members are used to provide comprehensive support, then the display is better protected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support members are merged into a cohesive unit through the sliding rail and protrusion mechanism. The first support member's sliding rail engages with the second support member's protrusion, creating an integrated system where multiple components work together as a unified structure. This merging provides comprehensive support coverage while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each support member is designed with universal features that serve multiple functions: the sliding rails provide both guidance and connection, the protrusions serve as both engagement elements and positioning features, and the pivoting capability provides both motion control and structural flexibility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing complexity while maintaining reliable support.
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 apparatus prevents damage to the flexible display during folding and unfolding by distributing stress evenly, maintaining the display's integrity and extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The second pivoting member has a second sliding protrusion which extends in the first direction and which is in slidable engagement with the first sliding rail such that the two adjacent ones of the support members are coaxially pivotable to each other
Implementation Method 2
The synchronously pivoting mechanisms are in rollably frictional engagement with each other such that the two lateral support members are synchronously pivotable relative to the middle support member in opposite rotational directions
Data Source
AI summary
A bendable support apparatus includes a support unit, at least one coaxially pivoting unit and at least one synchronously pivoting unit. The support unit includes a plurality of support members extending in a first direction and juxtaposed to each other. Each support member has opposite support and mounting major surfaces. The support major surfaces cooperatively define a support surface for a flexible display attached thereto. The coaxially pivoting unit includes a plurality of coaxially pivoting assemblies disposed to permit two adjacent support members to be coaxially pivoted to each other about a pivot axis at a neutral layer of the flexible display. The synchronously pivoting unit includes a plurality of synchronously pivoting assemblies each disposed among three adjacent support members to permit two lateral support members to be synchronously pivoted relative to a middle support member so as to shift the bendable support apparatus between unfolded and folded states.