Foldable Display Hinge Structure for Gap-Free Wrinkle Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hinge structures for flexible display panels in foldable display apparatuses often lead to wrinkles and deformities when folded or unfolded, and fail to ensure a gap-free folding state, limiting the durability and usability of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A support structure with a semi-cylindrical hinge shaft portion and sliding components that allow the first and second support portions to move close to the hinge structure, minimizing panel sliding and enabling complete folding without gaps, using a combination of sliding and rotational mechanisms to maintain panel alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hinge structure is used for the flexible display panel, then the device can be folded or unfolded, but wrinkles and deformities occur in the folding area
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple support portions (first support portion, second support portion, third support portion) that can move independently relative to each other. Each support portion is connected through hinge structures, allowing segmented motion control to maintain panel alignment during folding and unfolding operations, preventing wrinkles and deformities in the folding area.
Solution Approach 2:
The support portions are designed to dynamically adjust their positions and orientations during folding and unfolding. The hinge structures enable rotational and sliding movements that adapt to the changing geometry of the folded state, maintaining proper panel alignment throughout the transition and preventing deformation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional hinge structure is used, then the display apparatus can be folded, but gaps are formed in the folded state
Solution Approach 1:
The support portions are designed to nest together in the folded state, with the first support portion, second support portion, and third support portion arranged in a nested configuration. This nesting arrangement allows the display apparatus to be completely folded without gaps, as each support portion fits within or adjacent to the others, achieving a compact and gap-free folded state.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible display panel is folded repeatedly, then the device becomes more portable, but the panel suffers from wear and reduced durability
Solution Approach 1:
The support portions and hinge structures serve as intermediaries between the flexible display panel and the folding mechanism. These components absorb and distribute the mechanical stresses during folding and unfolding, protecting the panel from direct contact with wear-inducing surfaces and reducing the impact of repeated folding cycles, thereby enhancing panel durability while maintaining portability.
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
This solution minimizes the formation of wrinkles and deformities in the folding area, allowing the display apparatus to be completely folded without gaps, enhancing its durability and usability through precise alignment and sliding mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a first sliding portion slidable with respect to the first support portion and the hinge shaft portion, and a second sliding portion slidable with respect to the second support portion and the hinge shaft portion
Implementation Method 2
a first hinge portion that contacts the hinge shaft portion, is rotatable about a rotation axis of the hinge shaft portion, and extends in a direction toward the first support portion, a second hinge portion that contacts the hinge shaft portion, is rotatable about the rotation axis of the hinge shaft portion
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a flexible display panel including a first non-folding area, a second non-folding area, and a folding area disposed between the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area, and a support structure that supports the flexible display panel. The support structure includes a first support portion, a second support portion, a hinge shaft portion disposed between the first support portion and the second support portion and having a semi-cylindrical shape, a first hinge portion, a second hinge portion, a first sliding portion slidable with respect to the first support portion and the hinge shaft portion, and a second sliding portion slidable with respect to the second support portion and the hinge shaft portion.