Foldable Display Supporters With Light Absorption at the Fold Axis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable display devices often experience visibility defects at the folding axis due to structural differences, leading to non-uniform display quality compared to other portions.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display device design featuring a flexible display module with a supporter system that includes rigid base supporters coated with light absorption parts, positioned on either side of the folding axis, to ensure uniform display quality by managing light transmission and reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable flexible display device is realized, then the device can be portable and improve user convenience, but visibility defects occur at the folding axis portion due to structural differences

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidvisibility defects
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by placing light absorption parts specifically at the folding axis portion where visibility defects occur. The first and second light absorption parts are positioned on the first and second supporters respectively, targeting the specific location of the problem rather than applying a uniform solution across the entire display device. This localized approach addresses the structural differences at the folding axis while maintaining normal display functionality in other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The light absorption parts serve as intermediary elements between the folding axis structure and the display quality. These parts mediate the optical interaction at the folding axis by absorbing stray light and reflections that would otherwise cause visibility defects. The supporters with light absorption parts act as intermediate structures that connect the flexible display module to the housing while eliminating the harmful optical effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If light absorption parts are added to supporters, then display quality uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay quality uniformityVSAvoidsupporter structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light absorption function with the existing supporter structure. Instead of adding separate light absorption components, the light absorption parts are integrated into the first and second supporters that already exist in the foldable display device. This combining approach achieves the desired display quality uniformity while minimizing the increase in device complexity by utilizing existing structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporters in the foldable display device are given multi-functionality by incorporating light absorption capabilities. The first and second supporters not only provide structural support for the flexible display module but also function as light absorption elements to eliminate visibility defects. This universal approach allows existing components to serve multiple purposes, reducing the need for additional specialized parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution ensures that the display quality is uniform across all areas, including the folding axis, by effectively managing light absorption and reflection, thereby eliminating visibility defects and maintaining consistent image presentation.

Implementation Method 1

a first light absorption part on an outer surface of the first base supporter, and the second supporter including: a second base supporter having a rigid property; and a second light absorption part on an outer surface of the second base supporter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11947397B2Display device
Publication Date: 2024.04.02 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US11947397B2 patent drawing
  • US11947397B2 patent drawing
  • US11947397B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes a flexible display module having thereon a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area, the flexible display module being foldable with respect to a boundary between the first display area and the second display area, and a supporter including a first supporter overlapping the first display area and a second supporter overlapping the second display area and below the flexible display module, the first supporter including a first base supporter having a rigid property, and a first light absorption part on an outer surface of the first base supporter, and the second supporter including a second base supporter having a rigid property, and a second light absorption part on an outer surface of the second base supporter.