Flexible Display Support with Segmented Vertebrae and Belleville Washers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible displays face challenges in being protected from over-bending or creasing, which can lead to damage or permanent deformation, as existing technologies lack effective mechanisms to limit bend angles and provide necessary support without restricting flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A support system featuring a spine-like structure with rotating vertebrae and Belleville washers, or sliding parallel plates, or bistable steel hinges, which allow for controlled bending while preventing acute angles, using friction and interlocking mechanisms to maintain the display's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid support structure is used to protect the flexible display, then the display is protected from over-bending and creasing, but the flexibility and bendability of the display are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from over-bending and creasingVSAvoidflexibility and bendability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple vertebrae segments that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the structure to bend while providing support. Each vertebrae acts as an independent segment that contributes to the overall flexibility and protection of the flexible display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure incorporates dynamic elements such as rotating vertebrae and Belleville washers that allow controlled movement and bending. This dynamic design enables the structure to adapt to bending requirements while maintaining protection against excessive deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a support mechanism with rotating vertebrae and Belleville washers is used, then controlled bending is enabled and acute angles are prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled bending and prevention of acute anglesVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure uses thin, flexible components such as Belleville washers and slender vertebrae that provide structural support while maintaining flexibility. These thin-film elements enable controlled bending without requiring bulky or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

Belleville washers act as intermediary elements between the rotating vertebrae, providing friction control and mechanical support. These intermediary components facilitate controlled movement while preventing excessive bending, reducing the need for more complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If friction and interlocking mechanisms are used to maintain display integrity, then protection from damage is improved, but the ease of operation and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay integrity and protection from damageVSAvoidflexibility during bending

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The friction characteristics of the support structure are carefully controlled by adjusting parameters such as surface texture, contact area, and normal force. This allows the structure to provide sufficient friction for protection while maintaining ease of operation through optimized parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking mechanisms and friction-based connections are designed to automatically engage and disengage during bending operations without requiring external control. The structure self-regulates the friction forces to protect the display while allowing necessary movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 proposed solutions effectively protect flexible displays from excessive bending, allowing them to be folded or bent up to 180 degrees without damage, while maintaining their operational flexibility and preventing deformation.

Implementation Method 1

using friction and interlocking mechanisms to maintain the display's integrity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

bistable steel hinges, which allow for controlled bending while preventing acute angles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10310565B2Flexible display structure

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Particular embodiments described herein provide for an electronic device that includes a flexible display and a support for the flexible display. The support includes a main support structure, at least one curve crease, and a curve region, wherein the curve region includes a curve support.