Foldable Display Support Structure for Strength and Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in foldable devices is maintaining the visual quality and durability of the folding area while accommodating mechanical stress without compromising flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a display, hinge structure, support plate, and reinforcement plates that extend across the folding part, providing structural support and maintaining flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed support structure is applied to the folding area, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and visual quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is divided into multiple sections (first support plate section, second support plate section, third support plate section) that can independently deform during folding. This segmentation allows each section to provide localized support while collectively maintaining flexibility across the folding area, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a fixed rigid design to a dynamic configuration where the support plate sections can change position and orientation during folding operations. The rotatable connection between sections enables the structure to adapt its geometry dynamically, maintaining both strength and flexibility throughout the folding cycle.
2Reliability
If reinforcement structures are added to the folding area, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the support plate structure: it provides mechanical reinforcement, enables folding motion through rotatable connections, and maintains a relatively simple overall form. By combining these functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate reinforcement elements, durability is improved without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it reinforces the folding area against mechanical stress, provides a hinge mechanism for folding motion, and maintains structural integrity across different device configurations. This multi-functionality improves durability while avoiding the need for additional specialized components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the support plate extends across the folding part, then visual quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is segmented into multiple sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled through rotatable connections. This segmentation allows each section to be manufactured with standard precision using conventional processes, while the overall extended structure achieves high visual quality when assembled, reducing the manufacturing complexity compared to producing a single large precision component.
Data Source
AI summary
This electronic device comprises a display, a hinge structure, a support plate, a first reinforcement plate and a second reinforcement plate. The display includes: a first flat part; a second flat part facing the first flat part in a state in which the electronic device is folded; and a folding part positioned between the first flat part and the second flat part. The hinge structure, which is below the folding part, includes a hinge bracket, a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate. The first hinge plate and the second hinge plate are rotatably connected to the hinge structure so that the folding part folds or unfolds. The support plate includes a plurality of openings positioned between the hinge structure and the folding part and extends across the folding part from the first flat part to the second flat part. The front surface of the support plate is attached to the rear surface of the display. The first reinforcement plate is positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and is attached to the first hinge plate. The second reinforcement plate is positioned between the support plate and the hinge structure and is attached to the rear surface of the support plate. Other various embodiments are possible.