Composite Support Structure for Foldable Display Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with rigid displays face challenges in flexibility and durability, particularly during folding operations, leading to potential damage and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a support structure with a combination of metal and plastic layers, where the plastic layers are lighter than metal alloys, providing improved conductivity and thermal conductivity while reducing weight and enhancing folding ease, and includes pattern holes to prevent foreign substances from entering the display panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid support structure is used to protect the display panel, then durability and protection are improved, but weight increases and folding flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure uses a composite design combining a rigid first support (metal or metal alloy) with a flexible second support (plastic or polymer) that includes a folding area. This composite structure provides the necessary durability and protection while enabling folding flexibility, as the plastic portion can bend without breaking unlike solid metal supports.
2Reliability
If a metal support structure is used to improve conductivity and thermal management, then electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure applies different materials with different properties to different areas: the first support (metal) provides conductivity and thermal management where needed, while the second support (plastic) in the folding area provides weight reduction and flexibility. This local differentiation allows the device to have good conductivity properties without the penalty of a completely metal-based support structure.
3Strength
If the support structure is made continuous and solid to provide uniform protection, then structural strength is improved, but folding ease and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into two distinct parts: a first support and a second support. The second support includes a folding area that can bend, allowing the structure to be flexible where needed while maintaining strength in other areas. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between uniform structural strength and folding flexibility.
4Volume of moving object
If electronic modules are placed close to the display panel to reduce device thickness, then device compactness is improved, but reliability during folding deteriorates due to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible second support acts as a cushioning element between the display panel and electronic modules in the folding area. During folding operations, this cushioning layer absorbs stress and prevents direct contact between rigid components, thereby protecting the electronic modules from damage while maintaining compact device thickness.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a support under a display panel. The display panel includes a first area, a second area, and a third area. The third area is spaced from the first area, and the second area is between the first area and the second area. The electronic device also includes an electronic module spaced from the display panel, with the support therebetween and overlapping the third area. The support includes first and second supports. The second support is on the first support and includes a first opening overlapping the electronic module.