Foldable Display Support Structure With Damped Synchronized Pivoting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible display devices lack efficient mechanisms for supporting foldable display panels that ensure smooth and controlled transitions between unfolded and folded states, while also preventing dust or debris from entering the electronic equipment.

Innovation Solution

A pivotable support apparatus featuring a sliding groove structure, rotating rods and plates, connecting rods, and a damping assembly that allows for synchronized movement and controlled transitions, along with a synchronized gear system to manage the folding and unfolding of the display panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple support structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide smooth and controlled transitions between unfolded and folded states deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidfolding transition smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple segments including a first support portion and a second support portion that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each portion to perform specific functions - the first portion provides initial support while the second portion enables controlled folding motion, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and operational smoothness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure incorporates dynamic elements including a damping assembly that provides controllable resistance during folding, and a damping slider that can be resiliently pressed to adjust damping force. This dynamic control enables smooth transitions while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If no protective structure is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but dust or debris can enter the electronic equipment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotective structure complexityVSAvoiddust ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first support portion acts as an intermediary protective element between the external environment and the electronic equipment. It provides a physical barrier that prevents dust and debris from entering while supporting the foldable display panel, resolving the contradiction between protective function and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If synchronized movement is not implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but mechanical stress increases during folding and unfolding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization mechanism complexityVSAvoidmechanical stress resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second support portions are merged into a coordinated system where their movements are synchronized through the damping assembly and damping slider mechanism. This merging ensures that both portions move together in a controlled manner, reducing mechanical stress while adding only moderate complexity to the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 pivotable support apparatus enables smooth and controlled folding/unfolding of foldable display panels, providing stability and protection against dust ingress, while ensuring synchronized movement and reduced mechanical stress.

Implementation Method 1

a damping assembly, configured to provide damping resistance to a rotation of the first actuating rod and the second actuating rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a damping slider configured to be resiliently pressing on the first crank shaft and the second crank shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4341926B1Pivotable support apparatus and display apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP4341926B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4341926B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4341926B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pivotable support apparatus for supporting a foldable display panel is provided. The pivotable support apparatus includes a sliding groove structure (215); a first rotating rod (211) and a second rotating rod (212) slidably and rotatably attached to the sliding groove structure (215); a first rotating plate (15); a second rotating plate (16); a first connecting rod (205) rotatably attached to the first rotating rod (211), and configured to move slidably relative to the first rotating plate (15); and a second connecting rod (206) rotatably attached to the second rotating rod (212), and configured to move slidably relative to the second rotating plate (16).