Curved Display Support With Laminated Segments for Folding Reliability

The support structure is divided into multiple segments that can independently bend and flex. Each segment is separated by joints that allow relative movement, enabling the overall structure to flex without causing stress concentration that would lead to cracking. The segments are connected through flexible joints that maintain structural integrity while accommodating bending movements.

The support structure transitions from a static rigid design to a dynamic flexible design. The segments and joints are designed to move relative to each other during bending, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration. This dynamic behavior enables the structure to flex repeatedly without sustaining damage, as the joints absorb and distribute the mechanical stress.

The support structure employs different material properties and structural characteristics in different locations. The segments use high-strength, low-weight materials such as carbon fiber reinforced plastic or aluminum alloys, while the joints use flexible materials that allow bending. This localized differentiation maintains structural integrity where needed while reducing overall weight and enabling flexibility.

The support structure utilizes composite materials that combine the advantages of different materials. For example, carbon fiber reinforced plastic provides high strength-to-weight ratio, while polymer joints provide flexibility. The composite construction allows the structure to maintain rigidity in the segments for structural integrity while using flexible joints for bending capability, achieving both reliability and weight reduction.

Instead of using a single thick plate, the support structure is segmented into multiple thinner plates connected by flexible joints. Each thin plate maintains sufficient local rigidity, while the joints between segments enable overall flexibility. This segmentation eliminates the need for thick plates, significantly reducing weight while maintaining both rigidity and bendability.

The support structure transitions from a static thick-plate design to a dynamic segmented design. The thin plates are connected through joints that allow relative movement, enabling the structure to bend without requiring thick plates for flexibility. This dynamic configuration achieves the desired rigidity through the plates while obtaining flexibility through the joints, avoiding the weight penalty of thick plates.