Foldable Display Support Structure for Stress Relief and Internal Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable display devices lack an efficient mechanism to support their flexible structure while allowing for easy folding and unfolding, which can lead to damage and limited internal space for additional components.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device design featuring a flexible display module with non-foldable and foldable portions, supported by metal plates and hinges that allow for rotation and sliding connections, creating a protective layer and internal space for additional structures, ensuring the display remains undamaged during folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display module is used to enable folding, then portability and convenience are improved, but the display becomes vulnerable to damage during folding and unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a protective layer between the flexible display module and the case. This protective layer is positioned in advance to prevent direct contact and potential damage between the display and case structures during folding and unfolding operations, thereby cushioning against mechanical stress and improving display durability while maintaining folding capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional components are added to enhance functionality, then device versatility is improved, but internal space becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes another dimension by creating a three-dimensional internal cavity within the case structure. The coupling cover is designed with an inwardly extending portion that forms a vertical cavity space, allowing additional components to be accommodated in the depth dimension rather than consuming horizontal display area, thus enabling enhanced functionality while preserving limited internal space
3Reliability
If a rigid case structure is used to protect the display, then display protection is improved, but the device loses flexibility and folding capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the case into multiple functional portions: a rigid outer case structure for protection, a flexible coupling cover with rotatable hinges for folding capability, and a protective layer for direct display contact. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function - the rigid case provides structural protection while the flexible coupling cover enables folding movements, thus maintaining both display protection and folding flexibility
4Stability of the object's composition
If hinges and metal plates are added to support the folding structure, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the coupling cover to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective cover for the flexible display module, provides structural support through its rigid portion, enables folding movements through hinge connections, and creates internal storage space through its cavity formation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby improving structural stability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
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 design enhances the durability of the foldable display by distributing stress through metal plates and hinges, while providing internal space for additional components, thus improving user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a first hinge rotatably connected to the coupling cover and that includes a first fixed support portion that supports the first fixed portion and a first portion that supports the second rotatable portion or the first rotatable portion according to a rotation of the first cover
Data Source
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AI summary
A display device includes a display module, a case with a first cover, a second cover and a coupling cover, a first metal plate disposed between the display module and the case that includes a first fixed portion and a first rotatable portion, a second metal plate disposed between the display module and the case that includes a second fixed portion and a second rotatable portion, a first hinge rotatably connected to the coupling cover that includes a first fixed support portion that supports the first fixed portion and a first portion that supports the first or second rotatable portion according to rotation of the first cover, and a second hinge rotatably connected to the coupling cover and including a second fixed support portion that supports the second fixed portion and a second portion that supports the first or second rotatable portion according to rotation of the second cover.