Foldable Display Movable Support Member Flatness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable devices with flexible displays face challenges in maintaining a flat unfolded state and supporting large screens due to curvature issues when folded and unfolded, leading to potential damage and incomplete display flattening.
Innovation Solution
A foldable device design featuring a flexible display supported by two bodies connected via a hinge with a movable support member and elastic unit, allowing the display to spread flat in the unfolded state and maintain a predetermined unfolding angle, while a flexible guide member reduces stress during folding and unfolding by elastically bending across the hinge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flexible display device is sharply bent to enable folding, then the device can be folded into a smaller size, but the flexible display device itself may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming a curved portion with a predetermined radius at the center of the flexible display device when folded. This curved portion prevents sharp bending by distributing the mechanical stress across a larger area, thereby protecting the display from damage while enabling the device to fold into a compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by pre-forming a curved portion at the center of the flexible display device. This curved structure acts as a buffer that absorbs and distributes bending stress before it reaches critical levels that could cause damage, thus protecting the display during the folding process.
2Area of moving object
If the flexible display device is bent to cross the foldable structure, then a large screen may be provided, but the curved portion may not be spread flat after prolonged folding and unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by designing a curved portion with a specific radius at the display center. This controlled curvature allows the display to accommodate the foldable structure while maintaining a large screen area, and the predetermined radius ensures the curve can be properly flattened when unfolded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the display by forming a curved portion with a predetermined radius. This parameter modification allows the display to transition between folded and unfolded states while maintaining both large screen area and proper flatness when needed.
3Shape
If a movable support member is added to continuously support the third part, then the flexible display may be spread flat in the unfolded state, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by using a movable support member that can dynamically adjust its position between a support position (when unfolded) and a retreat position (when folded). This dynamic mechanism provides continuous support to the third part of the display, ensuring it remains flat when unfolded while minimizing interference during folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (the movable support member) that mediates between the foldable structure and the flexible display. This intermediary provides the necessary support to maintain display flatness without directly constraining the folding motion, thus reducing the overall structural complexity.
4Reliability
If the movable support member moves between support position and retreat position, then the curved portion can be received during folding, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a dynamic mechanism where the movable support member automatically transitions between support and retreat positions based on the folding state. This dynamic behavior provides protective support during folding (receiving the curved portion) while minimizing structural complexity through automated motion rather than complex actuation systems.
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 ensures the flexible display remains flat and supported in the unfolded state, reduces stress on the display during folding, and maintains a stable unfolding angle, enhancing the device's usability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic unit configured to apply an elastic force to the first body and the second body so that the first body and the second body are maintained at the unfolded position
Implementation Method 2
a flexible guide member on the body and crossing the hinge, and configured to elastically bend to reduce a stress applied to the flexible display device when the first body and the second body change from the folded position to the unfolded position
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable device includes first and second bodies that respectively support a first part and a second part of a flexible display device and are foldably connected to each other between a folded position and an unfolded position, and a movable support member that continuously near-supports a third part of the flexible display device between the first part and the second part when the first body and the second body change from the folded position to the unfolded position.