Foldable Display Support Plate with Variable Opening Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in improving their folding properties, particularly in maintaining structural integrity and aesthetics while allowing for easy folding and unfolding configurations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a support plate with alternating first and second support lines in a weave shape, where the density and spacing of these lines differ between non-folding and folding regions, creating openings of varying sizes to enhance the folding mechanism and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a support plate with uniform support lines is used across the entire display panel, then structural support is improved, but folding properties deteriorate due to restricted shape changes in the folding region
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate implements different support line densities in different regions: non-folding regions have higher density (first support lines spaced closely) for strong structural support, while folding regions have lower density (second support lines spaced wider apart) to allow shape changes during folding. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between needing strong support and enabling folding flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is segmented into distinct regions with different support line configurations. The non-folding regions use one pattern while folding regions use another, allowing each segment to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
2Strength
If support lines are densely arranged to improve structural support, then strength is improved, but the ability to fold and change shape deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate implements different support line densities in different regions: non-folding regions have higher density (first support lines spaced closely) for strong structural support, while folding regions have lower density (second support lines spaced wider apart) to allow shape changes during folding. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between needing strong support and enabling folding flexibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support plate structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to prevent foreign matter entry and maintain aesthetics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate uses a systematic grid pattern of intersecting first and second support lines that creates uniform openings. This segmented structure naturally limits the size and distribution of openings, preventing foreign matter entry while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through regular patterning.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a display panel having non-folding regions arranged along a first direction and a folding region disposed between the non-folding regions. The folding region is foldable along a virtual folding axis extending along a second direction crossing the first direction. The electronic device further includes a support plate disposed on a lower portion of the display panel and having first support lines extending in the first direction, and second support lines extending in the second direction and crossing the first support lines. In the non-folding regions, the first support lines and the second support lines cross each other to define first openings, and in the folding region, the first support lines and the second support lines cross each other to define second openings. An area of each of the first openings is different from an area of each of the second openings.