Chain Support Structure for Thin Bendable Display Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bendable display devices face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and reducing thickness while supporting flexible display panels, particularly when bent, due to the vulnerability of existing support structures.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a rotation shaft, slidable connection mechanisms, chains, and support assemblies that are designed to support both unbendable and bendable display regions, with specific configurations to enhance structural strength and reduce thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a support structure is added to support the flexible display panel, then structural integrity is improved, but thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple chains (first chain, second chain, third chain, fourth chain) spaced apart in the thickness direction, with each chain providing distributed support. This segmentation allows the support function to be achieved while maintaining thinness, as the load is distributed across multiple thin components rather than requiring a single thick support element.
Solution Approach 2:
The chains are arranged in the thickness direction (z-direction) rather than only in the plane of the display panel. By utilizing the thickness dimension for spatial arrangement, the support structure achieves structural integrity through vertical distribution of support points while keeping each individual chain thin, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and thickness.
2Strength
If multiple chains are used to support the bendable display device, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each chain serves multiple functions: providing structural support, enabling bending motion, and maintaining spacing between display regions. The chains are identically structured and can be manufactured using the same process, then assembled in a standardized pattern. This universality reduces design complexity despite having multiple chains, as each component follows the same design template.
Solution Approach 2:
The chains are positioned at specific locations (first and second display regions on opposite sides of the bendable region) where support is most needed. Each chain provides localized support quality tailored to its position, while the overall arrangement maintains simplicity through symmetric placement and identical structural design for each chain.
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 support structure effectively maintains structural integrity and reduces thickness, enhancing the bendable display device's durability and portability by distributing support across multiple chains and assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
two slidable connection mechanisms, wherein the two slidable connection mechanisms are rotatably connected to the rotation shaft... at least two chains, wherein the at least two chains are spaced apart in an axial direction of the rotation shaft
Implementation Method 2
the two slidable connection mechanisms are rotatably connected to the rotation shaft... any two adjacent first supports of the plurality of first supports are rotatably connected
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a support structure. The support structure includes: a rotation shaft, two slidable connection mechanisms, at least two chains, and a first support assembly. The two slidable connection mechanisms are rotatably connected to the rotation shaft and disposed on two sides of the rotation shaft; the at least two chains are spaced apart in an axial direction of the rotation shaft, extension directions of the at least two chains are perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotation shaft, middle portions of the at least two chains are connected to the rotation shaft, and two ends of each of the at least two chains are respectively connected to the two slidable connection mechanisms; and in the axial direction of the rotation shaft, each of the at least one first support assembly is connected between two adjacent chains of the at least two chains.