Foldable Display Support Structure for Flat Unfolding Angles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable devices with flexible displays face challenges in accommodating curved portions during folding, leading to potential damage and distortion when unfolded at obtuse angles, as existing solutions fail to support the display effectively while maintaining a compact size and preventing screen distortion.
Innovation Solution
A foldable device design incorporating a hinge shaft system with support portions and a restriction unit that allows the flexible display to be supported flat when unfolded, includes a path difference compensating unit to manage the curvature of the display, and uses a locking mechanism to secure the bodies at various angles, ensuring the display is not sharply bent and can withstand pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the flexible display is arranged to cross over the foldable structure to provide a large screen, then the display area is increased, but the display may be damaged when sharply bent
Solution Approach 1:
The display support structure is divided into multiple segments including a first support portion, second support portion, third support portion, and fourth support portion that can independently move between support and receiving positions. This segmentation allows each portion to independently accommodate the curvature of the flexible display during folding while maintaining support during unfolding, preventing damage to the display.
2Volume of moving object
If the foldable device is designed to be compact for portability, then the device size is reduced, but the display may distort when unfolded at obtuse angles
Solution Approach 1:
The support portions are designed to dynamically change position based on the folding state. During unfolding, the support portions move to support positions that maintain the display in a flat state. During folding, they move to receiving positions that accommodate the curved display, preventing distortion at obtuse angles while enabling compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions act as intermediary elements between the foldable structure and the flexible display. These intermediaries transfer and distribute the mechanical forces, ensuring that the display remains flat during unfolding at various angles including obtuse angles, while allowing the overall device to maintain a compact folded state.
3Reliability
If the support structure is added to accommodate the curved portion during folding, then the display is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support portions are integrated with the existing foldable structure rather than being separate components. The first and second support portions are coupled to the first body, while the third and fourth support portions are coupled to the second body, merging the support function into the existing hinge and body structure. This reduces overall device complexity while providing comprehensive display protection during folding and unfolding.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable device includes a flexible display including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion; and a body including a first support portion which supports the first portion of the flexible display, a second support portion which supports the second portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion which supports the third portion of the flexible display. The third support portion includes a first rotation axis which connects the first support portion to the third support portion, and a second rotation axis which connects the second support portion to the third support portion.