Foldable Display Supporter Curvature Stress Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices face damage and deformation issues due to folding, which affects their durability and usability.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device design featuring a display module with a supporter system that includes distinct portions for non-folding and folding areas, with an adhesive layer and compensation layer to absorb stress, allowing controlled folding and unfolding while minimizing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display module is made flexible to enable folding, then mobility and convenience are improved, but deformation and damage occur during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The display module is divided into a folding area and a non-folding area. The folding area is designed to be flexible and foldable, while the non-folding area maintains rigidity and planarity. This segmentation allows the display to achieve folding capability without compromising the overall structural integrity and durability of the non-folding regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display module are assigned different mechanical properties. The folding area is constructed with flexible materials and structures that allow bending, while the non-folding area uses rigid materials to maintain stability. This local differentiation enables the display to fold where needed while preserving durability in critical areas.
2Ease of operation
If the display module is folded repeatedly, then mobility is improved, but deformation accumulates affecting visual quality
Solution Approach 1:
The display module is pre-assembled with the folding area and non-folding area in their correct spatial relationships before final assembly. The folding area is pre-configured with appropriate curvature and the non-folding area is pre-aligned to ensure planarity. This preliminary positioning prevents deformation accumulation during repeated folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding area is designed with a controlled curvature that follows a spherical arc, allowing smooth bending without creating sharp folds or stress concentration points. This curved geometry enables repeated folding while maintaining surface quality and preventing permanent deformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the folding area is made more flexible, then foldability is improved, but stress concentration increases causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The folding area utilizes composite material structures that combine flexible layers with reinforcing elements. This composite construction provides the necessary flexibility for folding while distributing stress across multiple layers and materials, preventing stress concentration and enhancing durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding area incorporates cushioning structures and stress-distributing elements that are built in advance. These cushioning features absorb and distribute folding stresses before they can concentrate at critical points, protecting the display from damage during repeated folding operations.
Data Source
AI summary
The display device includes a display module which displays an image at a front surface of the display module and includes a rear surface, a folding area and a non-folding area extended from the folding area; and a supporter facing the rear surface of the display module and including a first portion corresponding to the non-folding area, a second portion corresponding to the folding area, and a boundary between the first portion and the second portion. The display module which is unfolded disposes the supporter bent at the boundary, and the supporter which is bent includes the first portion and the second portion together forming a curvature of the supporter having a center of curvature at the front surface of the display module.