Bending Module Neutral Layer Rotation for Foldable Display

Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display screens in folding devices are prone to damage due to supporting members pulling the screen when folded or unfolded, leading to a reduced service life.

Innovation Solution

A bending module with supporting members that rotate around centers maintained on a neutral layer of the flexible unit, preventing the members from pulling the screen during state changes between flattened and bent states, utilizing a flexible unit with a neutral layer and rotating shafts to ensure consistent center positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the folding display device is folded to reduce size for carrying, then the device becomes compact and portable, but the supporting members pull the flexible display screen causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidscreen integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting members are divided into multiple segments that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the structure to adapt to the bent configuration without pulling the screen. The segmentation enables independent motion of each support segment, preventing stress concentration on the flexible display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting members are designed with dynamic rotation capabilities around centers located on the neutral layer. This dynamic configuration allows the supports to follow the screen's deformation during folding and unfolding, maintaining proper positioning without exerting harmful pulling forces on the flexible display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the flexible display screen is folded repeatedly for portability, then the device becomes easy to carry, but the service life of the display device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting members are designed with dynamic rotation capabilities around centers located on the neutral layer. This dynamic configuration allows the supports to follow the screen's deformation during folding and unfolding, maintaining proper positioning without exerting harmful pulling forces on the flexible display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The positions of the supporting members are dynamically adjusted by rotating around centers on the neutral layer during folding operations. This parameter change in positioning prevents stress accumulation and damage from repeated folding, thereby extending the service life of the flexible display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If the supporting members are fixed to the flexible display screen, then the screen is supported during folding, but the members pull and damage the screen during state transitions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport capabilityVSAvoidpulling force on screen

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting members are divided into multiple segments that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the structure to adapt to the bent configuration without pulling the screen. The segmentation enables independent motion of each support segment, preventing stress concentration on the flexible display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The neutral layer serves as an intermediary reference for positioning the rotation centers of the supporting members. By anchoring the rotation centers to the neutral layer, the supporting members maintain proper geometric relationships during deformation, preventing harmful pulling forces while preserving support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10701824B2Bending module and folding display device

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 COMPAL ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A bending module and a folding display device are provided. The bending module is adapted to vary between a flattened state and a bent state. The bending module includes a flexible unit and a pair of supporting members. The flexible unit has a neutral layer, and the pair of supporting members are connected to the flexible unit. When the bending module varies between the flattened state and the bent state, the flexible unit is deformed, and the supporting members are each rotated via one corresponding center of rotation to be relatively close to or far from each other, wherein the centers of rotation are always maintained on the neutral layer of the flexible unit. By applying the bending module to the folding display device, the service life of the folding display device may be extended.