Foldable Cover Plate Segmented Support Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display technologies face challenges in creating a bendable cover for terminal devices that can withstand bending without breaking, as existing covers are typically non-bendable or break when flexed, making it difficult to hold larger and thinner devices with one hand.
Innovation Solution
A bendable cover design incorporating a first and second hard plate bonded to a flexible substrate with a bending area in between, allowing the cover to be bent while the hard plates remain rigid, with specific dimensions and materials ensuring durability and image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid support structure is used to maintain the rigid state of the cover plate, then the support strength is improved, but the flexibility and wear resistance are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple support arms that can independently rotate and adjust. Each support arm is a separate segment that can move relative to the cover plate and base, allowing the structure to maintain rigidity when needed while providing flexibility through controlled movement of individual segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static rigid design to a dynamic system where support arms can rotate between different positions. The first support arm rotates relative to the cover plate, and the second support arm rotates relative to the base, enabling the structure to adapt between rigid support and flexible accommodation states.
2Strength
If a rigid support structure is used to maintain the rigid state of the cover plate, then the support strength is improved, but the friction and wear are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating joints of the support arms introduce controlled movement that prevents static friction buildup. The ability of support arms to rotate and adjust positions reduces sustained contact pressure and friction wear at connection points compared to a completely rigid fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the support arms allows the structure to distribute loads more evenly over time through position changes, reducing concentrated wear at single contact points while maintaining overall support strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cover plate is designed to be foldable with rotating support arms, then the flexibility and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable folding movement, allow angle adjustment, and facilitate transition between rigid and flexible states. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second support arm is rotatably connected to the first support arm, creating a nested hierarchical structure. This nesting allows compact configuration when folded and simplified control hierarchy, where the first support arm's rotation controls the position of the second support arm's rotation point.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
This application provides a bendable cover, including a flexible substrate and at least two hard plates. The flexible substrate has a hard area and a bending area. A quantity of hard areas is the same as a quantity of the at least two hard plates, the hard areas are in a one-to-one correspondence with the hard plates, and each hard plate is located on a surface of a corresponding hard area. There is a bending area between two adjacent hard areas. Under an effect of external force, the bendable cover can be bent along the bending area. In addition, this application further provides a corresponding display module and a corresponding terminal device.