Foldable Display Support Assembly for Tensile Force Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable display devices often experience deformation and damage at the folding portion due to unforeseen issues, necessitating the development of technology to prevent such problems.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display device design featuring a flexible display module supported by multiple supporters with spacers, sliding parts, elastic parts, and hinge parts, which reduce tensile force in the folding area by allowing supporters to move towards the center when folded, thereby preventing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable display device is folded about a folding axis, then the device becomes portable and flexible, but the folding portion experiences deformation and damage due to tensile force

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoidfolding area integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic support system where the support member can move relative to the housing along the folding axis. When the device is folded, the support member moves to follow the curvature of the fold, dynamically adapting its position to maintain proper spacing and prevent deformation of the display module at the folding area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support member acts as an intermediary element between the housing and the display module. It mediates the mechanical stress during folding by moving independently, thereby protecting the display module from direct tensile force and preventing deformation at the folding area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the display module is rigidly supported, then structural stability is maintained, but tensile force causes deformation at the folding area during folding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidfolding area shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support member transitions from a static to a dynamic element, capable of moving along the folding axis. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain structural stability in the unfolded state while adapting to shape changes during folding, preventing deformation at the critical folding area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support system is segmented into movable and fixed components. The support member is separated from the housing, allowing independent movement. This segmentation enables the support member to follow the folding curvature while the housing maintains its overall structural stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple supporters are added to support the display module, then deformation is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding area protectionVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single movable support member performs multiple functions: it maintains spacing between the display module and housing, follows the folding curvature, and protects the display module from tensile force. This multi-functional design achieves reliable folding area protection without the complexity of multiple separate support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the support and spacing functions into a single integrated support member that moves along the folding axis. This consolidation achieves the protective effect of multiple supporters while reducing structural complexity compared to having separate support elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design effectively reduces tensile force in the folding area, preventing deformation and damage, while also facilitating easier unfolding without creasing.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic part disposed in a guide groove defined in the third supporter and extending in the first direction from the opening toward a distal side of the third supporter; The elastic part contacts a side of the sliding part facing the distal side of the third supporter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3770725B1Display device
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3770725B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3770725B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3770725B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A display device includes a display module, first and second supporters disposed under the display module and arranged in a first direction, spacers disposed between the first and second supporters, third and fourth supporters respectively disposed under the first and second supporters, hinge parts connected to the third and fourth supporters, sliding parts disposed in openings defined in the third and fourth supporters and connected to the first and second supporters, and elastic parts disposed in guide grooves defined in the third and fourth supporters and extending in the first direction from the openings toward distal portions of the third and fourth supporters.