Foldable Display Hinge Mechanism for Flat State Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display apparatuses face issues with maintaining a flat state when unfolded, leading to image distortion and damage from external pressure due to empty spaces between hinges, and exposure of bending areas to external impacts.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device with a flexible display panel, supported by first and second supporting members and rotating plates that adjust to maintain the bending area in a flat state when unfolded and bend at a predetermined curvature when folded, using a hinge system with rotating plates and a hinge cover to manage curvature and protect the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge with link structure is used to enable folding, then the display can be folded to provide portability, but empty spaces between links cause the bending area to be pushed by external pressure leading to image distortion
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the hinge links and the display panel. This support structure fills the empty spaces between hinge links and provides continuous backing to the bending area, preventing external pressure from pushing the display and causing image distortion, while still allowing the hinge to fold.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display is bent at a certain curvature with respect to the hinge, then the display can be folded, but the bending area is exposed to the outside and damaged by external impact
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is positioned beforehand to cover and protect the bending area of the display. When the display is folded, the support structure extends to enclose the bending area, creating a protective barrier that shields it from external impacts and damage before any harmful contact can occur.
3Manufacturing precision
If supporting members extend below the bending display area to provide support in unfolded state, then the display can maintain flat state, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides support to maintain display flatness when unfolded, fills empty spaces between hinge links, and protects the bending area when folded. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated structure, the design avoids adding separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiment relate to a structure for supporting a bending portion of a flexible display panel in an unfolded state so that the bending portion does not flex when pressed. The structure also enables the bending portion of the flexible display panel to bend at a predetermined curvature in a folded state. The structure includes two rotating plates rotating about two axes that slide relative to flexible supporting members extending from portions of the flexible display panel that do not bend as the flexible display panel is bent. As the flexible display panel is bent, the distance between ends of the rotating plates are increased so that the bending portion of the flexible display panel would have an increased radius of curvature.