Foldable Display Sagging Prevention Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable display apparatuses face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and providing effective input methods, especially when folded, due to sagging or deformation of components in the folding area, which affects the display quality and usability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sagging prevention member and a digitizer in the folding area, with a wing plate and adhesive layers to prevent sagging and ensure smooth folding and unfolding, while allowing for various input methods using a pen or stylus, such as by positioning the digitizer above the sagging prevention member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable display apparatus is designed to be foldable, then mobility and compactness are improved, but structural integrity and stability deteriorate due to sagging and deformation in the folding area

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The display apparatus is divided into a first display area, second display area, and folding area that can be folded relative to each other. The sagging prevention member is segmented into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) that correspond to different regions, allowing localized support while maintaining overall foldability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sagging prevention member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first display area and second display area. This member includes a folding support portion that prevents sagging during folding operations and a digitizer support portion that maintains the digitizer's position, thereby preserving structural integrity while enabling foldability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the display apparatus is folded, then compactness is improved, but input functionality deteriorates due to sagging affecting the digitizer

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidinput functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sagging prevention member acts as a mediator that supports both the folding structure and the digitizer. The digitizer support portion ensures the digitizer maintains its functional position even when the display is folded, preventing sagging-induced degradation of input functionality while achieving compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sagging prevention member is pre-installed in the folding area to provide continuous support during folding and unfolded states. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the digitizer remains properly positioned and functional without requiring additional active adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a sagging prevention member is added to maintain structural integrity, then stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcomponent complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sagging prevention member is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both a structural support element to prevent sagging and as a positioning mechanism for the digitizer. By integrating these functions into a single component, the design improves structural stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4231613B1Foldable display apparatus
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4231613B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4231613B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4231613B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display apparatus includes a display area and a folding area; a display panel; a digitizer disposed below the display panel; a sagging prevention member disposed in a portion below the display panel overlapping the folding area; and a lower cover disposed below the sagging prevention member.