Foldable Display Locking Mechanism for Panel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable display apparatuses lack a secure mechanism to prevent accidental re-folding and maintain the stability of flexible display panels when transitioning between folded and unfolded configurations, which can lead to damage or deformation of the panels.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display apparatus with a flexible display panel supported by first and second cases connected via a link member, featuring a locking unit comprising a slide cover and locking lever that inhibits rotation when in the unfolded configuration, ensuring the panel remains flat and secure during use and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking unit is added to prevent accidental re-folding, then the stability and reliability of the flexible display panel is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit integrates multiple functions into a compact mechanism: the locking lever and slide cover work together as a unified system to provide both locking and unlocking functions, while the elastic piece combines support and locking actions. This merging approach achieves reliable panel stabilization without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic piece automatically engages with the locking unit to provide support and locking actions without requiring additional actuators or power sources. The mechanism uses the natural elasticity and mechanical interaction of components to achieve self-locking, reducing the need for complex control systems while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism with slide cover and locking lever is implemented, then the prevention of accidental re-folding is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions between locked and unlocked states through dynamic mechanical interaction. The slide cover moves along a rail groove to engage or disengage the locking lever, creating a clear tactile feedback system that indicates the current state. This dynamic design allows users to easily understand and operate the locking function without complex controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide cover acts as an intermediary between the user's manual input and the locking lever. By moving the slide cover along the rail groove, users indirectly control the locking lever's position, providing mechanical advantage and tactile feedback that simplifies the locking operation while maintaining reliable prevention of accidental re-folding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the slide cover is rotatably coupled to the first case and slidably coupled to the second case, then the adaptability of the locking mechanism is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slide cover serves multiple functions: it acts as a connector between the first and second cases, provides the locking action through its interaction with the locking lever, and offers tactile feedback to indicate the locked state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements: the rotatable coupling to the first case, the slidable coupling to the second case via the rail groove, and the locking interaction with the locking lever. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display apparatus that is adjustable between a folded configuration and unfolded configuration includes a flexible display panel that is foldable; a case including a first case that supports a first side of the flexible display panel and a second case that supports a second side of the flexible display panel; a link member connecting the first case to the second; and a locking unit configured to prevent rotation of the first case and the second case in a folding direction when the foldable display apparatus is in the unfolded configuration.