Computing Device Slider Plates for Flexible Display Aperture Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable computing devices with flexible displays face limitations in achieving a 360-degree back-to-back orientation due to hinge designs that exert damaging tensile stresses and create gaps allowing foreign material entry and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of moveable slider plates that translate relative to the spine as the display-supporting frames rotate, covering apertures to prevent foreign material entry and maintain a visually appealing appearance, while minimizing tensile stresses through coordinated translation and rotation mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hinge designs are used to enable 360-degree rotation, then the device can achieve back-to-back orientation, but tensile stresses damage the flexible display and gaps allow foreign material entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic mechanisms where the backplate and slider plate move relative to each other during rotation. The backplate translates along the spine while the slider plate moves along the backplate, allowing the system to adapt its configuration continuously through the 360-degree rotation range without creating gaps or excessive stress
Solution Approach 2:
The slider plate acts as an intermediary element between the backplate and the spine. It covers the aperture formed by the backplate and spine during rotation, preventing foreign material entry while allowing the mechanical motion to proceed. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by maintaining sealing without constraining the movement
2Device complexity
If the backplate remains stationary during rotation, then the structure is simpler, but apertures are exposed allowing foreign material entry and aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The backplate is made dynamic by coupling it to the translation mechanism that moves it along the spine during rotation. This dynamic movement ensures the backplate remains positioned to cover apertures throughout the rotation range, preventing foreign material entry while maintaining aesthetic appearance without requiring overly complex additional components
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible display is subjected to tensile stresses during folding, then 360-degree rotation is achieved, but the display substrate is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic coordination between the backplate translation along the spine and the slider plate movement along the backplate creates a mechanism that enables 360-degree rotation while distributing and minimizing tensile stresses on the flexible display substrate. The continuous motion control ensures smooth rotation without stress concentration points
Data Source
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AI summary
A computing device includes a flexible display supported by first and second display-supporting frames that are rotatably coupled via a spine. Each display-supporting frame comprises a backplate opposite the flexible display. Each display-supporting frame is coupled to a respective translation mechanism, and each translation mechanism is configured to translate the respective display-supporting frame relative to the spine as the display-supporting frame is rotated relative to the spine. A respective moveable slider plate for each display-supporting frame is biased into contact with the spine to cover at least a portion of an aperture at least partially defined by a leading edge of the respective backplate of the display-supporting frame and the spine.