Foldable Display Pad Height Variation for Deformation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display devices, particularly foldable ones, experience deformation at the folding area when repeatedly folded and unfolded, making the deformation visually recognizable.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that includes a folding area and non-folding areas with a supporter and pads between the display panel and the supporter, where the pads protrude parallel to the folding axis, decreasing in height towards the center of the folding area, and optionally includes a cushion layer, to minimize or prevent deformation recognition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable display device is designed to be flexible and foldable, then portability and usability are improved, but deformation occurs at the folding area after repeated folding and unfolding

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddeformation at folding area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple support regions with different heights. The first support region has a first height and the second support region has a second height different from the first height. This segmentation allows different parts of the support structure to provide different levels of support, accommodating the deformation at the folding area while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the support structure are given different local properties through varying heights. The first support region and second support region have distinct heights tailored to their specific functional requirements. This local quality differentiation enables the structure to provide optimized support at each region, particularly addressing the deformation issue at the folding area while maintaining support in non-folding areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display device is made foldable, then flexibility and portability are improved, but visual deformation becomes recognizable after repeated use

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidvisual deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple support regions with different heights to compensate for visual deformation. By segmenting the support function across different height levels, the structure can maintain a flat visual appearance from the front while providing necessary support, preventing recognizable deformation at the folding area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure utilizes vertical height variation to solve a visual appearance problem. By introducing height as an additional dimension in the support structure design, the patent compensates for front-view deformation without compromising the foldable functionality, effectively addressing visual deformation through three-dimensional structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11455914B2Display device

Publication Date: 2022.09.27 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel including a folding area at which the display device is foldable or unfoldable about a folding axis and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area, a supporter which faces the folding area and the non-folding area, and in the folding area, a pad between the display panel and the supporter, the pad protruding from the supporter to the display panel and extending parallel to the folding axis.