Flexible Display Support Mechanism for Crease Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays in portable electronic devices are prone to damage when bent or folded beyond a certain limit, as existing support mechanisms fail to maintain a constant length and proper tension, leading to creasing and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A support mechanism comprising a first and second component coupled by a pivot member, with sliders and hinge elements that guide movement to maintain a constant length of the flexible membrane, controlling the bend radius and preventing over-bending by defining a path of movement between open and folded positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible display is bent or folded to enhance portability, then the device becomes more portable and compact, but the flexible display is prone to damage, creasing, and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the support mechanism by defining a specific movement path with controlled bend radius. The support mechanism ensures the flexible display is bent within safe angular ranges and maintains constant length, preventing creasing while enabling folding for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a support mechanism as an intermediary between the flexible display and the folding structure. This intermediary component (comprising first and second components coupled by a pivot member) controls the bending process, maintaining proper tension and preventing direct damage to the flexible display during folding operations.
2Ease of operation
If existing support mechanisms allow folding movement, then the device can be folded for portability, but they fail to maintain constant length and proper tension, leading to creasing and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature control by defining a specific movement path that maintains a controlled bend radius during folding. The support mechanism ensures the flexible display follows a curved path with adequate radius, preventing sharp creases while enabling the folding motion for portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the folding process through a support mechanism with pivot members and defined movement paths. The mechanism dynamically adjusts the bending angle and path during folding, maintaining constant length and proper tension throughout the motion to prevent creasing while enabling folding operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes: a first component and a second component coupled to one another by a pivot member and being movable relative to one another between an open position in which the first component and the second component are in the same plane and a folded position; a first slider coupled to the first component and a second slider coupled to the second component; and a flexible membrane coupled to the first slider and the second slider, the flexible membrane being exposed in the folded position; wherein the first component and the second component are coupled to one another to maintain the flexible membrane at a constant length when the flexible membrane is moved between the open position and the folded position.