Foldable Display Support Structure for Crease-Resistant Hinged Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays in electronic devices face creasing issues due to abnormal expansion and contraction when switching between unfolded and folded states, leading to potential damage during folding and unfolding.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a first support, a second support, and a third support, where the first and second supports are rotatable about an axis, and the third support is connected to both, allowing the flexible display to be supported on multiple surfaces while forming specific angles in a folded state to accommodate deformation and prevent creasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flexible display is folded for portability, then the device becomes more portable, but the display surface becomes creased due to abnormal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments (first support, second support, third support) that can independently move and adjust. This segmentation allows each part to handle specific portions of the folding motion, distributing the stress and preventing concentrated creasing on the display surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure employs dynamic elements including rotatable connections between supports, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration during folding and unfolding. This dynamic adjustment enables the support surfaces to maintain optimal angles and provide continuous support, preventing abnormal expansion and contraction of the flexible display.
2Area of moving object
If the flexible display is unfolded for larger display area, then the display area increases, but abnormal expansion and contraction occurs causing creasing
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to provide preliminary support and guidance during the unfolding process. The rotatable connections and specific angle formations prepare the display in advance for proper positioning, preventing sudden abnormal expansion that would cause creasing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure changes geometric parameters during unfolding, specifically forming specific included angles between support surfaces. These parameter changes ensure controlled expansion of the display area while maintaining structural integrity and preventing creasing through gradual, guided motion.
3Reliability
If the support structure forms specific angles in folded state, then creasing is prevented, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support functions are merged into a single integrated support structure. The first, second, and third supports work together as one system, combining support, guidance, and protection functions to prevent creasing without requiring multiple separate complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The third support acts as an intermediary element connecting the first and second supports. This intermediary component facilitates the formation of specific angles and distributes the complexity across multiple simpler elements rather than requiring a single complex mechanism.
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 support structure provides reliable support and protection to the flexible display, preventing creasing and damage during folding and unfolding by distributing bending stress and accommodating the display's deformation, thus enhancing portability and display quality.
Implementation Method 1
a second support rotatably fitting with the first support about an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
a third support having a third supporting surface and rotatably connected to both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure is provided, which includes a first support having a first supporting surface, a second support having a second supporting surface, and a third support having a third supporting surface. The first support is provided with a first connecting portion. The second support rotatably fits with the first support about an axis of rotation. The second support is provided with a second connecting portion. The first connecting portion and the second connecting portion are both spaced apart from the axis of rotation. The third support is rotatably connected to both the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. When the support structure is in a folded state, the first supporting surface and the second supporting surface are spaced apart from the third supporting surface, and the first supporting surface and the second supporting surface each form a specific included angle with the third supporting surface.