Flexible Display Bracket Layout for Dumbbell-Shape Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible display devices face challenges in easily folding into a dumbbell shape due to the rigidity of their support structures, which hinders smooth folding and unfolding.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a flexible display module with a first and second support plate, brackets, and cushion layers in grooves to facilitate easy folding, allowing the display module to be folded into a dumbbell shape by spacing the support parts apart and using cushion layers for smoother movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid support structure is used to maintain structural integrity, then strength and stability are improved, but the ability to fold into a dumbbell shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple brackets (first bracket, second bracket, third bracket) that are spatially separated. These segmented brackets can be independently positioned and folded, allowing the overall structure to transform into a dumbbell shape while each bracket maintains its structural integrity. The segmentation enables the rigid support function to be distributed across multiple flexible components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket structure incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities through adjustable support plates and cushion layers that can be positioned at different locations. The brackets can be folded and unfolded between extended and retracted states, transforming the static rigid structure into a dynamic system that adapts between providing structural support and enabling dumbbell-shaped folding.
2Volume of moving object
If support parts are positioned close together to maintain compact structure, then device compactness is improved, but folding smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Cushion layers are selectively positioned at specific locations between the brackets, particularly in regions where folding occurs. This local addition of cushioning elements provides smooth folding surfaces exactly where needed during the folding operation, while the overall bracket structure remains compact when in the extended position. The cushion layers are strategically placed to affect only the local folding quality without compromising global compactness.
3Ease of operation
If cushion layers are added to improve folding smoothness, then ease of folding is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cushion layers are introduced as intermediary elements positioned between the rigid bracket structures. These cushion layers act as mediators that facilitate smooth folding by providing a compliant interface between the rigid support parts, reducing friction and preventing direct metal-to-metal contact. The cushion layers simplify the folding operation while adding minimal structural complexity, as they can be implemented as simple compressible elements rather than complex mechanical mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel, a first support plate disposed under the display panel, a first bracket disposed under the first support plate, a second bracket disposed under the first support plate and horizontally spaced apart from the first bracket, and a plurality of cushion layers disposed in a first groove defined on an upper surface of a portion of the first bracket adjacent to the second bracket and a second groove defined on an upper surface of a portion of the second bracket adjacent to the first bracket.