Foldable Display Hinge with Elastic Axis Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable display apparatuses experience reliability issues due to repetitive folding and unfolding, which causes bending stress and reduces the lifespan of flexible display panels, especially when using adhesiveness for attachment and detachment from supporters.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display apparatus design featuring a flexible display panel with a hinge system comprising rear hinge members and elastic axis members that interlock and rotate, allowing for increased deformation in the folded state to reduce bending stress, and utilizing a panel supporting frame to guide folding and unfolding, ensuring the display remains flat and prevents bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive members are used to attach and detach the flexible display panel from supporters during folding, then the flexible display panel can be folded, but the repetitive folding and unfolding causes bending stress that lowers reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adhesive member from the folding mechanism, eliminating the need for attachment and detachment during folding operations. The flexible display panel is folded while maintaining continuous support from the supporter, removing the harmful adhesive interaction that causes reliability degradation through repetitive bonding and debonding cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a supporter as an intermediary element between the flexible display panel and the folding mechanism. This supporter provides continuous mechanical support during folding, distributing and reducing bending stress on the display panel while enabling the folding motion without requiring adhesive attachment/detachment cycles.
2Ease of operation
If the flexible display panel is folded repetitively, then portability is improved, but bending stress accumulates and reduces lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a supporter that continuously supports the flexible display panel during folding operations. This pre-established support structure cushions and distributes bending stress before it can concentrate on the display panel, enabling repetitive folding for portability while protecting against lifespan reduction from stress accumulation.
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 design enhances the reliability of the flexible display panel by minimizing bending stress during folding and unfolding, improving user experience through easier operation and maintaining the display in a flat state, thus extending its lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic axis members are deformed as the rear hinge members are rotated around each other by bending of the flexible display panel
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a foldable display apparatus including a hinge providing supporting for a bending area of a flexible display panel. The flexible display panel includes a first flat display area and a second flat display area at both sides of a bending display area. A first rear cover provides support for the first flat display area and has a first edge. A second rear cover provides support for the second flat display area and has having a second edge facing the first edge and parallel to the first edge. The hinge includes rear hinge covers longitudinally extending parallel to the first edge and the second edge, and elastic axis members coupling the plurality of rear hinge covers in an interlocking and rotatable manner. The elastic axis members are deformed as the rear hinge covers make a relative movement by bending of the hinge.