Foldable Display Sub-Frame Elastic Restoring Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable display devices face issues with the exposure of the folding region when folding and the loss of flatness when transitioning from a folded to an unfolded state due to the mechanical structure of the housing.

Innovation Solution

A sub-frame is integrated at the folding region of the housing to prevent exposure and improve flatness by providing a predetermined elastic restoring force, allowing the device to maintain a flat shape when unfolded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the housing includes two flat plates hinged to each other by a central hinge, then the folding operation is achieved through pivoting movement, but the ends of the two flat plates move away from each other during folding and the folding region becomes partially open when folding is completed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding operationVSAvoidfolding region closure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple plates (first plate, second plate, third plate) instead of using just two flat plates. This segmentation allows the folding region to be properly closed by having the third plate bridge the gap between the first and second plates, while still maintaining the pivoting folding operation through hinges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display panel is folded, then the device achieves deformability, but the flatness of the flexible display panel is lost when transitioning from folded to unfolded state

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedeformabilityVSAvoidflatness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The folding region of the flexible display panel is pre-formed with a curved shape that matches the curvature of the folding region in the housing. This preliminary shaping ensures that when the device transitions from folded to unfolded state, the flexible display panel maintains its flatness as the pre-formed curvature guides it back to the correct position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the housing is folded to allow flexibility, then the device can be shaped into various forms, but the folding region becomes exposed to the outside

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape variabilityVSAvoidexposure of folding region

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The third plate is positioned within the folding region structure, nesting it between the first and second plates. This nested configuration allows the third plate to effectively close the folding region and shield it from external view, while the entire assembly maintains its flexibility and ability to be shaped into various forms through folding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 sub-frame effectively shields the folding region, enhances the flatness of the flexible display panel, and ensures smooth unfolding by providing a stable and controlled curvature during the folding process.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10485116B2Foldable display device

Publication Date: 2019.11.19 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A foldable display device is discussed, which is capable of shielding the folding region of a housing, to which a flexible display panel is coupled, so as to prevent exposure of the folding region to the outside upon an operation of folding the housing, and which is capable of improving the flatness of the flexible display panel when the flexible display panel or the housing returns from the folded state to the unfolded state.