Foldable Display Support Wings for Flatness and Curvature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable devices with flexible displays face challenges in accommodating the curved portion when folded, leading to potential damage and distortion when unfolded, as existing solutions do not effectively support the display to maintain a flat surface or reduce screen distortion at obtuse angles.
Innovation Solution
A foldable device design incorporating a hinge shaft system with support portions and a restriction unit that allows the flexible display to be supported flat when unfolded and accommodates a curved shape when folded, using a combination of guide pins, slots, and cam mechanisms to manage the display's curvature and path differences between the display and the device bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flexible display is sharply bent during folding, then the device achieves compact portability, but the flexible display may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming a curved portion with predetermined curvature at the center of the flexible display before folding occurs. This pre-formed curve allows the display to bend smoothly during folding without sharp creases, preventing damage while enabling compact folding. The curved portion is created in advance through the hinge structure that maintains this curvature during the folding process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a curved portion is formed at the center of the flexible display, then the display can be bent during folding, but the display may become distorted when unfolded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a movable support portion that dynamically adjusts its position based on the folding state. When the device is folded, the support portion is positioned to maintain the curved shape of the flexible display. When unfolded, the support portion moves to a different position that allows the display to return to a flat state, thus adapting to different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a movable support portion as a mediator between the flexible display and the hinge structure. This support portion temporarily sustains the curved shape during folding and then releases it when unfolded, acting as an intermediary that enables controlled deformation without permanent distortion.
3Shape
If the flexible display is supported to remain flat when unfolded, then screen distortion is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional support mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the movable support portion to serve multiple functions: it supports the curved shape during folding, maintains flatness when unfolded, and integrates with the existing hinge structure. This multi-functional component reduces the need for separate dedicated support mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable device includes: a flexible display including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion; and a body including a first support portion which supports the first portion of the flexible display, a second support portion which supports the second portion of the flexible display, and a third support portion which supports the third portion of the flexible display, wherein the third support portion includes a first support wing rotatably connected to the first support portion and a second support wing rotatably connected to the second support portion.