Foldable Display Panel Curvature Control With Sliding Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices with flexible panels face significant stress issues during folding and unfolding, which can lead to damage and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a sliding member on the second surface of the display panel that allows for changing the curvature of the panel, transitioning between flat, folded, and partially exposed states to mitigate stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display panel is folded with a curvature, then the display device can be bent or folded, but stress is applied to the flexible display panel which can lead to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebendabilityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a sliding member that enables the display panel to dynamically adjust its curvature radius. The panel transitions between a first curvature state (smaller radius) and a second curvature state (larger radius), allowing the system to adapt its bending characteristics based on operational requirements while reducing stress accumulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the curvature radius parameter of the display panel from a fixed value to a variable value. By controlling the sliding member to move between positions, the curvature radius is adjusted between different states, transforming the panel from a statically bent structure to one with dynamically adjustable bending parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the display panel is repeatedly folded and unfolded, then the display device can be used, but stress accumulation reduces durability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveusabilityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic adjustment of the curvature radius during the folding and unfolding cycles. The sliding member periodically transitions the panel between different curvature states, creating a rhythmic stress distribution pattern that prevents cumulative stress damage while maintaining repeated usability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If the curvature of the display panel is changed, then stress is reduced, but a sliding member is added which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress reductionVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding member is nested within the existing display device structure, integrating the stress-reduction mechanism into the overall device architecture. The sliding member operates within the thickness profile of the display panel assembly, embedding the complexity within the existing form factor rather than adding external bulk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4050452B1Display device

Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

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AI summary

A display device includes a display panel includes a first surface where images are displayed, and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the display panel being folded with a curvature, and a sliding member disposed on the second surface of the display panel and configured to slide a part of the display panel so that the curvature of the display panel is changed.