Foldable Component Sliding Slot Mechanism for Flexible Display Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-screen mobile phones with flexible display panels face damage during folding and unfolding due to bending or squeezing, shortening their service life.
Innovation Solution
A foldable component with a sliding slot mechanism, a bending support component, and a support layer that maintains the size of the flexible display panel unchanged during folding and unfolding, using a tooth meshing connection and elastic materials to prevent relative offset and reduce the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display panel is used to enable folding, then the mobile phone achieves flexible and variable display sizes, but the display panel is easily damaged due to bending or squeezing during folding or unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
A bending support component is introduced as an intermediary between the first support component and the second support component. This bending support component includes a hinge mechanism with chain segments that can rotate and flex, allowing the display panel to bend without direct contact between rigid support structures. The intermediary absorbs the mechanical stress of folding, preventing damage to the flexible display panel while enabling the desired flexibility and variable display sizes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bending support component is rigid to maintain structural stability, then the support layer remains stable, but the flexible display panel cannot be folded without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The bending support component transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure with a hinge mechanism. The hinge includes chain segments that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the bending support component to adapt its shape during folding and unfolding. This dynamic structure maintains stability when not in use while enabling flexible folding motion, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending support component is divided into multiple chain segments connected by hinges. Each chain segment can move independently, allowing the structure to bend at multiple points. This segmentation enables the support component to maintain rigidity in extended positions while facilitating smooth folding motion when collapsed, balancing structural stability with adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sliding slots are used to enable relative movement between support components, then folding is enabled, but relative offset between components and display panel may occur causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism provides geometric feedback that constrains the movement of the bending support component. As the chain segments rotate within the sliding slots, the hinge geometry ensures that the movement follows a precise arc, preventing any lateral offset between the support components and the display panel. This feedback mechanism maintains manufacturing precision while enabling folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary that mediates between the sliding slot movement and the display panel. It converts the linear movement within sliding slots into rotational motion, ensuring that the bending support component moves in a controlled manner that prevents relative offset with the display panel, thus avoiding damage.
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 solution effectively protects the flexible display panel from damage by maintaining its size and smooth deformation, reducing the likelihood of pulling or squeezing, and ensuring a smooth folding and unfolding process.
Implementation Method 1
the hinge includes a first chain segment, at least one intermediate chain segment, and a second chain segment that are connected in sequence by means of tooth meshing
Data Source
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AI summary
This application discloses a foldable component, including: a first support component, providing a first sliding slot; a second support component, providing a second sliding slot; a bending support component, including a first end and a second end that are opposite to each other, where the first end extends into the first sliding slot, and the second end extends into the second sliding slot; and a support layer, configured to bear a flexible display panel, where the support layer is attached to the first support component, the bending support component, and the second support component, the first end slides in the first sliding slot, the second end slides in the second sliding slot, the first support component, the bending support component, and the second support component are configured to drive folding or unfolding of the support layer, no relative offset exists between the first support component and the support layer, no relative offset exists between the second support component and the support layer, and no relative offset exists between the support layer and a fitting surface between the bending support component and the support layer. The foldable component in this application can protect the flexible display panel from damage in a folding or unfolding process. This application further discloses a mobile terminal.