Foldable Display Support Layer for Hinge Gap and Step Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with flexible OLED displays face user experience issues due to step differences and gaps between supporting plates in the bending area, caused by processing errors or gaps, which detract from the overall user experience.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device design featuring a hinge structure with a fixing mechanism and supporting mechanism, including auxiliary supporting layers that cover connection positions between supporting plates and the case, reducing gaps and enhancing user experience by eliminating step differences when the device is in a flattened state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three supporting plates and a middle frame are used to support the bending area, then the flexible display panel main body is supported when bent, but step differences and gaps appear when flattened due to processing errors or plate gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple supporting plates and the middle frame into a unified auxiliary supporting layer that spans across all connection positions. This integrated layer eliminates gaps between individual components and ensures consistent surface flatness across the entire bending area, resolving the contradiction between providing adequate support and maintaining surface precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary supporting layer is specifically positioned to cover only the connection positions between supporting plates and the case, where gaps and step differences occur. This localized approach addresses the surface flatness issue precisely where needed without adding unnecessary complexity to the entire structure.
2Reliability
If supporting plates are used to support the bending area, then the display is protected when bent, but user experience deteriorates due to visible gaps and step differences when flattened
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the supporting function with a continuous auxiliary supporting layer that spans across all connection positions, the invention maintains display protection while eliminating the visual and tactile gaps that degrade user experience. The unified layer provides both structural support and a smooth surface for user interaction.
3Reliability
If multiple supporting components are used, then adequate support is provided for the bending area, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple supporting components (three supporting plates and middle frame) into a single auxiliary supporting layer that performs the same support function. This merger maintains support stability while significantly reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary supporting layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the bending area, fills gaps between connection positions, and creates a smooth surface for user interaction. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
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 improves user experience by eliminating step differences and gaps between supporting plates, providing a smoother surface and enhancing the functionality and portability of foldable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
the first supporting plate is rotatably connected to the one side of the fixing mechanism, and the second supporting plate is rotatably connected to the another side of the fixing mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a foldable display device. The foldable display device includes a case; a hinge structure, wherein the hinge structure is accommodated in the case, the hinge structure includes a fixing mechanism and a supporting mechanism, and the supporting mechanism includes a first supporting plate and a second supporting plate; a flexible display panel main body, wherein the flexible display panel main body is arranged in the case; and an auxiliary supporting layer arranged between the flexible display panel main body and the hinge structure.