Flexible Display Flexure Assembly with Pivotable Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays in portable electronic devices are susceptible to damage from environmental factors and folding mechanisms, which limits their durability and functionality when used in foldable designs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display flexure assembly utilizing pivotable links that collapse to form a bend radius, supporting the display in both open and closed positions, with integrated stops to prevent overtravel and a detent mechanism for secure positioning at 0° and 180° angles, allowing the display to bend around the links without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If flexible displays are folded in hinged devices to form larger display surfaces, then display area is increased, but the displays become susceptible to damage from environmental factors and folding mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple individual pivotable links that can independently move and collapse. This segmentation allows the display to fold into a compact configuration while each link provides independent support, preventing damage during the folding process and maintaining reliability while achieving a larger display surface area when open.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable links are designed to collapse beforehand to create a controlled bend radius before the display is fully folded. This pre-cushioning mechanism prevents sudden stress concentrations that could damage the flexible display, allowing the display to bend smoothly around the collapsed links while maintaining durability.
2Reliability
If pivotable links are used to support the flexible display during folding, then display integrity is maintained, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pivotable links are merged into a single integrated flexure assembly that functions as one cohesive support structure. This combining approach maintains display integrity through coordinated link movement while reducing overall structural complexity compared to having separate, independently controlled support mechanisms for each link.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable links serve multiple functions: they provide structural support during folding, define the bend radius for the flexible display, and enable the device to transition between open and closed positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby maintaining display integrity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Reliability
If stops are added to prevent overtravel of the flexible display, then display protection is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stops are integrated directly into the pivotable links themselves rather than being separate components. This merging approach provides necessary display protection by preventing overtravel while minimizing mechanism complexity, as the protective feature is incorporated into the existing structural elements rather than adding independent stop mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of a flexible display flexure assembly, a flexure assembly includes a structure of pivotable links that couples first and second housing parts of a foldable electronic device. The first housing part of the foldable electronic device includes a flexible display, and the first housing part is integrated with a first section of the flexible display. The second housing part of the foldable electronic device is integrated with a second section of the flexible display. The pivotable links are implemented to collapse relative to each other to form a bend radius of the flexible display and support the flexible display in a closed position of the foldable electronic device. The structure of the pivotable links is also implemented to support the flexible display in an open position of the foldable electronic device.