Foldable Display Flexible Connection Groove Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable display apparatuses face challenges in efficiently connecting multiple display panels while maintaining flexibility and durability, especially when folding, which affects portability and user experience.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display apparatus with a flexible electric connection unit that includes a conductive layer, protection layer, wiring pattern, and fold guide members, featuring a groove overlapping the folding line, allowing for adjustable angles between panels and improved mechanical reinforcement, and a method for manufacturing this apparatus with electrical testing and shielding layers for reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If display panels are connected rigidly to ensure electrical connectivity, then electrical reliability is improved, but flexibility and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectivityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) as the electric connection unit, which is a thin film structure that can bend and fold. This FPC maintains electrical connectivity through its conductive traces while allowing the display apparatus to be folded along a folding line, thus resolving the contradiction between electrical reliability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display apparatus is made foldable to improve portability, then ease of carrying is improved, but structural stability and durability worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidstructural durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The display apparatus is divided into multiple display panels that can be folded relative to each other along a folding line. The flexible electric connection unit is positioned to overlap with the folding line, segmenting the structure into foldable sections while maintaining overall integrity and durability through the reinforced connection unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If a folding line is introduced to enable folding, then portability is improved, but mechanical stress and potential connection failures increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidmechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible electric connection unit is designed to overlap with the folding line in advance, providing a pre-prepared flexible connection path that can accommodate the mechanical stress of folding. This prevents connection failures by cushioning the stress through the flexible FPC structure before it reaches rigid components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9544993B2Foldable display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2017.01.10 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a foldable display apparatus that is foldable along a folding line. The foldable display apparatus includes a first display panel for displaying a first image, a second display panel for displaying a second image, wherein the second display panel is spaced apart from the first display panel, and a flexible electric connection unit disposed between the first and second display panels and electrically connecting the first and second display panels, the flexible electric connection unit comprising a groove overlapping with the folding line.