Foldable Display Window Support Structure for Slip Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible electronic devices face a slip phenomenon during folding, which can compromise component reliability and visibility to users.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design incorporating a display module with specific structural components, including a supporter with varying rigidity and a window module configuration, reduces the slip phenomenon without additional parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible electronic device is folded, then the device can be carried conveniently and screen size is not limited, but a slip phenomenon occurs where components slide relative to each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a non-folding area with different mechanical properties (higher rigidity) compared to the folding area. This non-folding area is positioned at the peripheral portion of the display panel to prevent slipping, while the folding area maintains flexibility for bending. The differential rigidity distribution resolves the contradiction by providing stability where needed without compromising overall portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel is segmented into distinct folding and non-folding areas with different functional requirements. The non-folding area is separated from the folding area to independently handle the slipping prevention function, allowing the folding area to maintain its flexibility while the non-folding area provides structural stability during folding operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If components are stacked in a flexible electronic device, then functionality is enhanced, but the slip phenomenon becomes more pronounced during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The non-folding area provides a localized stable region with higher rigidity that serves as a reference frame for multiple stacked components. This stable region prevents relative sliding between different functional layers (display panel, window module, bracket) during folding, maintaining component alignment while allowing the device to maintain its multi-layer functional structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the window module overlaps the display module, then structural integration is improved, but the slip phenomenon becomes visible to users
Solution Approach 1:
The non-folding area is strategically positioned at the peripheral portion where it can prevent slipping in the overlapping region between the window module and display module. This creates a stable boundary zone that maintains structural integration while preventing the slip phenomenon from occurring in visible areas, thus eliminating the harmful visual effect while preserving structural benefits.
4Reliability
If a supporter with greater thickness is added under the window module, then slipping is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporter structure is merged with the existing bracket that is already part of the device assembly. The bracket serves dual functions as both a structural support element and a slipping prevention mechanism. By integrating the supporter function into the existing bracket design rather than adding a completely separate component, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining effective slip prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a display module comprising a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area; a window module above the display module and comprising a first area overlapping the display module and a second area adjacent to the first area and defined along an edge of thereof; a bracket comprising a first portion facing a rear surface of the display module and a second portion extending from the first portion and facing a side surface of the window module; and a supporter under the window module, overlapping the second area, and having a thickness greater than a thickness of the display module.