Flexible Support Member for Thin Foldable Display Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic apparatuses face a challenge in maintaining a thin profile due to the complexity and thickness of connection sections that allow multiple rotation states of the display section with respect to the main body section.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus incorporates a support member with a first and second support section connected via a flexible connection bending section, allowing the display section to rotate in multiple states while minimizing thickness, using a hinge mechanism and magnets for state retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of connection sections are included to allow multiple rotation states, then the display section can be positioned in multiple rotation states, but the thickness of the entire electronic apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into a first support section and a second support section, with the connection bending section positioned between them. This segmentation allows the display section to rotate relative to the main body section while keeping each individual component thin, thereby enabling multiple rotation states without significantly increasing the overall thickness of the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection bending section is configured as a flexible component that can bend to allow rotation between the first and second support sections. This flexible structure enables multiple rotation states while maintaining a thin profile, as flexible films and thin structures can achieve rotational movement without requiring thick mechanical joints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If connection sections are made complex to support multiple rotation states, then the display section can be positioned in multiple rotation states, but the connection section thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is segmented into distinct first and second support sections with the connection bending section positioned between them. This segmentation simplifies the connection section structure by distributing the rotational function across separated components rather than requiring a complex integrated joint, thereby enabling multiple rotation states without increasing connection section complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection bending section is configured to bend in a direction that allows rotation while maintaining a thin profile in the thickness direction. By utilizing bending in another dimension (the bending direction) rather than increasing thickness, the structure achieves multiple rotation states without increasing connection section complexity or thickness.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided an electronic apparatus, including a first housing, a second housing which has a display section and a support member supporting the display section, and a housing connection section which rotatably connects the second housing with respect to the first housing. The support member includes a first support section connected to the housing connection section, a second support section which fixedly supports the display section, and a support connection section, positioned between the first support section and the second support section, which has a flexibility to rotatably connect the second support section with respect to the first support section.