Foldable Display Device Curved Support and Protective Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable display devices with dual screens suffer from a low screen-to-body ratio and an unsightly appearance due to the narrow and long secondary screen in the folded state.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display device design featuring a flexible display panel that wraps around a curved support part and extends to the other side of a second support plate, with a protective plate covering the bending axis to prevent exposure and potential damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a straight screen is used for the secondary screen in the folded state, then the installation space between the screen and the middle frame edge can be accommodated, but the screen-to-body ratio decreases and the appearance becomes unsightly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidscreen-to-body ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature to the secondary screen by designing it to wrap around the curved support part, transforming the screen shape from straight to curved. This curved configuration allows the screen to better fit the folded device structure while maximizing the display area and improving the screen-to-body ratio, thereby resolving the contradiction between installation stability and screen area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If a front frame with protective glass is added to fix the straight screen, then the screen installation is stabilized, but the display space is sacrificed and the screen becomes narrower and longer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen fixationVSAvoiddisplay space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the protective function with the structural support function by integrating the protective plate into the curved support part structure. The protective plate is positioned to cover the bending axis area where the flexible display panel bends, providing protection without requiring a separate front frame structure, thus preserving display space while maintaining screen fixation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved support part with its arc-shaped cross-section provides a natural protective structure that follows the bending path of the flexible display panel. This curved geometry protects the panel during folding while allowing maximum display area, eliminating the need for additional protective framing that would reduce screen space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Area of stationary object

If the flexible display panel wraps around the curved support part, then the screen aspect ratio and display range are improved, but the bending axis area becomes exposed and vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay rangeVSAvoidscratch and wear risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective plate is designed with a curved surface that matches the arc-shaped cross-section of the curved support part, creating a seamless protective cover over the bending axis area. This curved protective structure follows the natural bending path of the flexible display panel, providing protection against scratches and wear while maintaining the improved display range achieved through the wrapped configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Area of stationary object

If the protective plate is made of transparent material, then the display appearance is maintained, but the structural strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual display areaVSAvoidprotective plate strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The protective plate is integrated with the curved support part structure, forming a composite assembly where the transparent protective plate works in conjunction with the structural support framework. This composite structure maintains visual transparency for display purposes while the integrated support structure provides the necessary mechanical strength and protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12332694B2Foldable display device
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US12332694B2 patent drawing
  • US12332694B2 patent drawing
  • US12332694B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a foldable display device, comprising a first support plate, a second support plate, a bending member and a flexible display panel. The second supporting plate comprises a flat support part, a curved support part and a protective plate which are connected. The curved support part is located at one end of the flat support part away from the first support plate. One end of the flexible display panel wraps around the curved support part and extends to an other side of the second support plate, and penetrates a gap between a cover plate and the curved support part to avoid scratches and wear.