Foldable Display Panel Support Bars With Adjustable Gap Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bendable and foldable display devices face challenges in reducing the distance between spaces formed in the folding portion of the panel support member, which affects the overall compactness and portability.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a panel support member with multiple bars spaced apart and connected by distance adjusters, allowing for the reduction of spaces between these bars and non-folding portions through controlled movement, with a lower protection member maintaining these spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bars are spaced apart in the folding portion of the panel support member, then the display device can be folded and bent, but the spaces between the bars increase, reducing compactness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidspace between bars

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The panel support member incorporates multiple bars that can dynamically adjust their spacing through a moving mechanism. Distance adjusters are connected to the bars, allowing them to move closer together or farther apart based on operational needs. This dynamic adjustment enables the structure to maintain folding capability while minimizing space when compactness is required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple bars are arranged in a nested configuration where they can overlap or interlock when moved closer together. This nesting approach allows the bars to occupy less space when the display device is in a compact state, while still maintaining the structural integrity needed for folding operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the spaces between bars in the folding portion are reduced, then compactness is improved, but the lower protection member cannot effectively maintain the spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace between barsVSAvoidspace maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A lower protection member is introduced as an intermediary element between the multiple bars. This protection member has a specific structural design with support portions that fit into or alongside the bars, providing mechanical support to maintain the reduced spacing. The protection member acts as a mediator that enables the bars to stay close together while preventing collapse or deformation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower protection member is designed with cushioning or support features that are positioned in advance to prevent the bars from collapsing when spaced closely together. This prior cushioning ensures that the reduced spacing is maintained reliably without compromising the structural integrity of the folding mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20260010203A1Display device, method of fabricating the same, and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel comprising a folding area, and a panel support member disposed on a surface of the display panel. The panel support member includes a folding portion overlapping the folding area, and multiple bars spaced apart from each other in the folding portion.