Inclined Projections in Foldable Display Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display devices face issues with visible deformations and broken support patterns when repeatedly folded and unfolded, leading to creases and structural damage.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display device design featuring a support member with projections inclined at predetermined angles, which are spaced apart and overlap each other, preventing external light from penetrating and minimizing stress on the support structure, thus maintaining visibility and structural integrity during folding and unfolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If support patterns are disposed flat on the bottom surface of the display panel, then the support structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but deformations such as creases are visually recognized and support patterns may be broken when repeatedly folded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport pattern integrityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support patterns are designed with curved surfaces instead of flat surfaces, specifically inclined at predetermined angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the bottom surface. This curvature allows the support patterns to better accommodate the folding motion, reducing stress concentration and preventing both visible creases and structural breakage during repeated folding and unfolding operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Reliability

If support patterns are inclined at predetermined angles, then visible deformations are prevented and structural integrity is maintained, but the support structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport pattern durabilityVSAvoidsupport pattern fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple discrete support patterns rather than a continuous flat layer. Each support pattern is segmented into specific geometric shapes (such as triangles or polygons) with predetermined inclination angles. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes while achieving the desired mechanical properties for repeated folding operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stress or pressure

If support patterns are spaced apart from each other, then stress is distributed evenly during folding, but the support coverage area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress distributionVSAvoidsupport pattern coverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support patterns are strategically positioned and spaced at specific intervals rather than uniformly covering the entire area. The spacing and arrangement are optimized so that each support pattern handles local stress during folding, while the gaps between patterns allow for stress distribution and flexibility. This local quality approach ensures adequate support coverage while maintaining stress distribution benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11501668B2Display device

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a display panel having a foldable area; and a support disposed on a bottom surface of the display panel, the support including a plurality of projections spaced apart from each other in the foldable area and being inclined relative to the bottom surface.