Foldable Display Support Plates Prevent Level Differences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable information devices with flexible displays face issues of level differences and positional deviations when folded, leading to potential defects and instability in the display surface, particularly due to the vulnerability of flexible displays to impact and the need for uniform support.
Innovation Solution
A portable information device design featuring a hinge mechanism, first and second frame members that fold into a double-folded state, with support plates attached to the frame members to stabilize the display, using engagement pieces and recessed portions to maintain a uniform flat surface and prevent level differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display is used to enable folding, then the device becomes portable and compact, but the display becomes vulnerable to impact and develops wrinkles or deflection
Solution Approach 1:
A support plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible display and the chassis. The support plate provides a uniform flat surface that contacts the rear surface of the display, mediating the mechanical stress and preventing direct impact on the fragile display while allowing the folding motion to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is positioned in advance to cushion and absorb impact forces before they reach the flexible display. By providing a rigid supporting structure beforehand, the system prevents wrinkles and deflection from developing during the folding process.
2Volume of moving object
If the chassis is folded, then the device becomes compact for storage, but level difference or torsion is generated in the folding portion causing wrinkles or deflection
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate serves as a mediator between the folding chassis components, distributing the mechanical stresses of folding evenly across the display surface and preventing localized torsion or level differences that would cause wrinkles.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate changes the mechanical parameters of the system by providing a rigid, flat reference surface. This stabilizes the display's positional parameters during folding, maintaining level uniformity even as the chassis changes configuration.
3Area of stationary object
If the display is made larger, then the device provides more functionality and display area, but the device becomes less portable and harder to fold
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display itself is a thin film that can be bent and folded. The support plate provides structural reinforcement to this flexible film, allowing large display areas to be maintained while still enabling compact folding for portability.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable information device capable of reducing generation of a level difference or positional deviation on a display is disclosed. The portable information device includes a first frame member and a second frame member that are foldable into a double-folded state by connection of a pair of edge portions disposed adjacent to each other by the hinge mechanism, a first support plate fixed to the first frame member, a second support plate fixed to the second frame member, and a display having a rear surface supported by inner surfaces of the first support plate and the second support plate.