Flexible Panel Test Jig With Gear Hinge for Bending Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a reliable method to test the bending characteristics of flexible panels in display devices, which are crucial for ensuring the reliability and functionality of flexible displays.

Innovation Solution

A jig is provided with a first and second flat panel frame connected by a hinge part, featuring gear arms and housings to facilitate folding, allowing for the exposure of specific areas of the display panel for testing bending characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hinge part with gear arms and housings is used to enable folding of the jig, then the bending characteristics of the flexible panel can be tested, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending characteristics testingVSAvoidhinge part structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The jig is divided into multiple flat panel frames (first, second, third, fourth) connected by hinge parts, allowing the structure to be segmented into functional modules that can be folded independently to apply bending to the flexible panel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gear arms are accommodated within gear housings, creating a nested structure where the first gear arm and second gear arm are housed within the first gear housing, reducing overall complexity while maintaining the folding mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If multiple flat panel frames are used to create the folding structure, then the bending test capability is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending test capabilityVSAvoidjig assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge part structure with gear arms and housings serves multiple functions: it enables folding motion, provides structural support, and creates the necessary bending radius for the flexible panel, reducing the need for separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12590872B2Jig for testing flexible panel and display device including the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A jig for testing a flexible panel includes first and second flat panel frames, and a first hinge part between the first flat panel frame and the second flat panel frame to allow the first flat panel frame and the second flat panel frame to be subjected to folding. The first hinge part includes a first gear arm, a second gear arm engaged with the first gear arm, and a first gear housing covering at least a portion of the first gear arm and at least a portion of the second gear arm. A panel exposing area concavely bent toward the inside of the first gear housing may be defined in the first gear housing, and in case that the first flat panel frame and the second flat panel frame are folded, the panel exposing area of the first gear housing exposes a side of the display member.