Foldable Display Panel Supporting Unit With Rotating Link Members
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face challenges in minimizing stress on flexible display panels when folded, leading to potential deformation and damage, particularly due to the existing panel supporting units that do not effectively distribute stress and can cause tensile stress on the panel.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device design featuring a panel supporting unit with link members arranged in parallel, each capable of rotation about two axes, which reduces deformation by bending the display panel in a circular arc shape and includes protrusion parts that act as protection against external impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional panel supporting unit is used to support the flexible display panel, then the panel can be folded, but stress concentrates on specific areas causing deformation and potential damage to the display panel
Solution Approach 1:
The panel supporting unit is divided into multiple link members (first link member, second link member, third link member, fourth link member) arranged in parallel. Each link member independently supports a portion of the display panel, distributing the stress across multiple contact points rather than concentrating it on a single area, thereby reducing deformation and damage risk during folding
Solution Approach 2:
The link members are positioned at different distances from the bending axis (first and second distances), creating a multi-dimensional support structure. This spatial arrangement allows stress to be distributed across different depth planes, further reducing stress concentration on any single point of the display panel during the folding process
2Ease of operation
If the display panel is folded with a conventional supporting structure, then folding is achieved, but tensile stress is applied to the panel causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The link members are designed with specific geometric parameters including inclination angles (first and second inclination angles) and positioned at specific distances from the bending axis. These parameter optimizations ensure that during folding, the link members guide the display panel to form a circular arc shape rather than irregular deformation, maintaining shape stability while enabling folding operation
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is guided to bend into a circular arc shape during folding, with the link members positioned to maintain this curved geometry. This controlled curvature prevents irregular deformation and tensile stress concentration that would occur with unguided folding, thereby maintaining shape stability while achieving the folding function
3Force
If link members are positioned close to the display panel, then support is provided, but stress concentration occurs at contact points
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple link members are distributed across the width of the display panel, with each link member providing support at a different location. This segmentation of the support function distributes the contact forces across multiple discrete points rather than concentrating them at a single location, reducing peak stress values while maintaining adequate support force
Solution Approach 2:
The link members are positioned at different distances from the bending axis (first distance for outer link members, second distance for inner link members). This creates a distributed support structure in the depth dimension, spreading the contact forces across different spatial planes and reducing stress concentration at any single contact point
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 effectively reduces deformation and the probability of damage to the display panel by distributing stress evenly and providing protection against external impacts, enhancing the durability of the display panel in a folded state.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of link members has a first supporting surface facing the display panel and is coupled to be rotated about two rotational axes in a folded state
Implementation Method 2
In the folded state, the plurality of first supporting surfaces may be connected to each other, the two lower inclination surfaces may be in close contact with the lower inclination surfaces of adjacent link members, and the bendable region may be bent in a circular arc shape
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A foldable display device (100) includes a display panel (10) and a panel supporting unit (20). The display panel has a first surface (S10) in which a display unit (12) is positioned and a second surface opposite to the first surface and including a bendable region (BA). A panel supporting unit (20) faces the second surface and is coupled to the display panel. The panel supporting unit includes a plurality of link members (40) arranged in parallel along a first direction by corresponding to the bendable region of the display panel in an unfolded state, each of the plurality of link members respectively having a first supporting surface (41) facing the display panel and coupled to be rotated about two rotational axes in a folded state. The two rotational axes of each of the plurality of link members are separated from the first supporting surface in a direction from the second surface toward the first surface.