Foldable Display Module with Segmented Support Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current foldable display devices face challenges with weight reduction and maintaining desirable flatness due to the use of stainless-steel or alloy materials, which can lead to uneven attachment surfaces and mechanical performance issues when thinned for weight reduction.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display module with a support plate composed of two different materials, where a metal alloy is used for the bendable region and a lightweight material like PMMA or PC for the non-bendable region, ensuring robust support and reduced weight, and the support plate is attached to the back of the foldable display panel to simplify the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If stainless-steel or alloy materials are used as support structures, then mechanical strength and support performance are improved, but module weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is divided into a first support part (metal alloy) for the bendable region and a second support part (lightweight material) for the non-bendable region. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function: the metal part provides necessary mechanical strength where bending occurs, while the lightweight part reduces weight in areas requiring only structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are used in different regions of the support plate based on local requirements. The bendable region uses metal alloy with high strength and ductility, while the non-bendable region uses lightweight materials like PMMA or PC. This local quality optimization ensures that weight reduction does not compromise mechanical performance in critical areas.
2Weight of moving object
If the support structure is thinned to reduce weight, then module weight is reduced, but the support structure becomes prone to warping and mechanical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate employs a composite structure combining metal alloy and lightweight materials (PMMA, PC, or carbon fiber). This composite approach allows the metal component to provide dimensional stability and resistance to warping during thinning processes, while the lightweight material contributes to overall weight reduction. The combination achieves both weight reduction and maintained mechanical performance.
3Weight of moving object
If the support structure is hollowed to reduce weight, then module weight is reduced, but the attachment surface becomes uneven and manufacturing quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is segmented into metal and lightweight material portions, with the metal first support part providing a stable, flat attachment surface for the foldable display panel. This segmentation allows the hollowing or thinning operations to be performed on the lightweight material portion without compromising the attachment surface quality, as the metal portion maintains structural integrity and surface flatness.
4Strength
If metal alloy is used throughout the support structure, then mechanical strength is improved, but signal shielding increases and display quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is segmented to limit metal alloy usage to only the first support part in the bendable region, while the second support part in the non-bendable region uses non-conductive lightweight materials. This segmentation reduces the overall metal content, thereby minimizing signal shielding effects on the display while maintaining necessary mechanical strength in the bendable area where metal is most beneficial.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines conductive metal alloy with non-conductive lightweight materials (PMMA, PC, or carbon fiber). This composite approach creates a support plate that provides mechanical strength through the metal component while the non-metallic components reduce signal shielding, allowing display signals to pass through with minimal interference.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display module and its formation method, and a foldable display device are provided in the present disclosure. The module includes a foldable display panel and a support plate which are disposed oppositely. The support plate includes a first support part and a second support part; the first support part is made of a first material; and the second support part is made of a second material; the foldable display module includes a bendable region and a non-bendable region; the foldable display panel includes a bendable portion and a non-bendable portion; the bendable portion is at the bendable region; and the non-bendable portion is at the non-bendable region; the first support part includes a first portion configured to support the bendable portion of the foldable display panel; and the second support part is configured to support the non-bendable portion of the foldable display panel.