Foldable Display Hinge Slack Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable displays face issues with slack in the display panel when unfolded, leading to an uneven and unstable viewing surface, which can result in damage from pressure and a bulkier device design due to the need for sliding mechanisms, and wear and tear from repeated folding, causing stress on plastic substrates.
Innovation Solution
A hinge configuration with a support block and curved ends on the set frames that rotate to adjust space between frames, compensating for slack and providing additional support through a mid-layer with a slit pattern, eliminating the need for sliding mechanisms and reducing stress on the flexible display panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sliding mechanism is used to compensate for slack in the display panel, then the display panel can be kept taut during folding, but the device becomes bulkier and the sliding mechanism is exposed to mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is nested within the display panel structure itself, with the hinge contained inside the panel rather than exposed externally. This allows the hinge to compensate for slack while maintaining a compact device form factor and protecting the mechanical components from damage
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism dynamically adjusts the display panel tension during folding and unfolding operations. The hinge rotates to accommodate panel movement, automatically maintaining proper tension without requiring external sliding mechanisms or fixed structural extensions
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display panel is made flexible to enable folding, then the device can be folded and unfolded, but the plastic substrates suffer wear and tear and stress from repeated folding
Solution Approach 1:
A support layer is positioned behind the flexible display panel to provide cushioning and structural support during folding operations. This support layer prevents excessive stress on the plastic substrates by distributing the mechanical load, thereby extending the durability of the flexible components while maintaining foldability
3Device complexity
If external folding display is used with display panel on outside of frames, then the structure is simple, but slack in the middle region creates uneven and unstable viewing surface
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is nested within the frame structure rather than positioned externally. This nested configuration allows the hinge mechanism to effectively compensate for slack in the middle region, maintaining a stable and even viewing surface while preserving structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism dynamically adjusts the display panel position and tension during folding operations, ensuring that the viewing surface remains stable and even. The hinge rotates to accommodate panel movement, automatically maintaining proper tension without creating slack or instability
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 provides a compact foldable display with reduced bezels, enhanced support for the flexible display panel, and reduced stress on the substrates, preventing damage and maintaining a consistent user experience by compensating for slack and distributing pressure evenly.
Implementation Method 1
joints hinged off of each curved end with the other end of the joint hinged to a support block. As the set frames rotate around the where they are hinged to the joints when the foldable display transitions between a folded and unfolded state, the joints also rotate around the ends of the support block
Implementation Method 2
curved ends on the set frames in the region corresponding to where the flexible display panel and mid-layer folds or bends
Implementation Method 3
A mid-layer disposed on the underside of the flexible display panel
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display apparatus includes a mid-layer having a hinge region; a panel on the mid-layer; a pair of set frames under the mid-layer; and a hinge portion connected to the pair of set frames, and moving as the panel is folded or unfolded. Since a sliding section of the panel in the hinge region is compensated for during the folding and unfolding of the panel, the size of a bezel that would otherwise accommodate a sliding section can be reduced.