Composite Support for Foldable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single metal materials for supporting assemblies in foldable display terminals fail to simultaneously meet requirements for high rigidity, high thermal conductivity, light weight, and good weldability.
Innovation Solution
A composite structure is developed, comprising a first layer with higher elastic modulus and lower thermal conductivity, and a second layer with lower elastic modulus and higher thermal conductivity, stacked to enhance the overall performance, with optional additional layers for improved rigidity and stability, using materials like stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, and copper alloy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single metal material is used for the supporting assembly, then the material can provide either high rigidity or high thermal conductivity, but it cannot simultaneously achieve both high rigidity, high thermal conductivity, light weight, and good weldability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by stacking a first metal layer (stainless steel or titanium alloy for high rigidity) with a second metal layer (aluminum alloy or copper alloy for high thermal conductivity). This composite structure enables the supporting assembly to simultaneously achieve high rigidity from the first layer and high thermal conductivity from the second layer, resolving the contradiction between these two properties that cannot be satisfied by a single metal material.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting assembly is segmented into two functional layers: the first layer dedicated to providing rigidity and structural support, and the second layer dedicated to heat dissipation. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, with the first layer using high-strength materials and the second layer using high-thermal-conductivity materials, thereby simultaneously achieving both rigidity and thermal conductivity requirements.
2Strength
If a single metal material is used for the supporting assembly, then the material can provide either high rigidity or light weight, but it cannot simultaneously achieve both high rigidity and light weight
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure combines a first layer made of stainless steel or titanium alloy (providing high rigidity) with a second layer made of aluminum alloy or copper alloy (providing light weight). The overall density of the composite structure (3.2-6.9 g/cm³) is optimized by adjusting the thickness ratio and material selection, enabling the supporting assembly to achieve both high rigidity from the first layer and reduced weight from the lightweight second layer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the supporting assembly have different material properties: the first layer (closer to the flexible display) uses high-strength materials for rigidity where structural support is critical, while the second layer (farther from the flexible display) uses lightweight materials for heat dissipation and weight reduction. This local quality differentiation allows the assembly to achieve both rigidity and light weight simultaneously.
3Temperature
If a single metal material is used for the supporting assembly, then the material can provide either high thermal conductivity or good weldability, but it cannot simultaneously achieve all performance requirements including high rigidity, high thermal conductivity, light weight, and high weldability
Solution Approach 1:
The composite structure uses a first layer of stainless steel or titanium alloy (good weldability and rigidity) stacked with a second layer of aluminum alloy or copper alloy (high thermal conductivity). This composite approach allows the first layer to provide good weldability for manufacturing while the second layer provides high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation, simultaneously satisfying both requirements that cannot be achieved by a single metal material.
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 composite structure achieves improved heat dissipation, increased rigidity, reduced weight, and enhanced weldability, addressing the limitations of single metal materials while maintaining strength and impact resistance.
Implementation Method 1
the second layer is configured to dissipate heat, where the first layer and the second layer each include a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, where the first surface of the first layer is close to the flexible display, and the first surface of the second layer is close to the second surface of the first layer; and an elastic modulus of the first layer is greater than or equal to an elastic modulus of the second layer, and a coefficient of thermal conductivity of the first layer is less than or equal to a coefficient of thermal conductivity of the second layer
Data Source
AI summary
A composite structure includes a first layer and a second layer that are stacked, the first layer is configured to connect the second layer and a flexible display, and the second layer is configured to dissipate heat. Each of the first layer and the second layer includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, where the first surface of the first layer is proximate to the flexible display, and the first surface of the second layer is proximate to the second surface of the first layer. An elastic modulus of the first layer is greater than or equal to an elastic modulus of the second layer, and a coefficient of thermal conductivity of the first layer is less than or equal to a coefficient of thermal conductivity of the second layer.