Foldable Display Support Plate Structure for Thin Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible electronic devices face challenges in preventing foreign substances from entering the display module and protecting internal components from impacts, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing thickness.
Innovation Solution
A support plate with multiple metal layers and openings is designed, featuring a simplified structure that includes an upper plate, a lower plate, and an intermediate plate, each with specific metal materials and openings, attached to the display module using adhesive layers, to prevent foreign substance entry and impact transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a support plate is added to prevent foreign substances and impacts, then protection capability is improved, but device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is divided into multiple separate plates (first support plate, second support plate, third support plate) with different functions. The first support plate prevents foreign substance entry, the second support plate provides impact protection, and the third support plate offers additional structural support. This segmentation allows each plate to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall protection capability without excessive thickness increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate structure transitions from a single thick plate to multiple thin plates stacked in layers. By distributing the protection functions across multiple dimensions (layers) rather than increasing thickness in one dimension, the design achieves comprehensive protection while maintaining a compact overall thickness profile.
2Reliability
If multiple metal layers are used in the support plate, then protection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate system is segmented into multiple independent plates that can be manufactured separately using standard metal fabrication processes. Each plate is designed with simple geometry and can be produced through conventional methods such as stamping, cutting, or extrusion, avoiding the need for complex multi-layer metal stacking or advanced manufacturing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
Each support plate is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously. For example, the first support plate not only prevents foreign substance entry but also provides structural support and serves as a mounting surface for other components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a display module including pixels and having a folding area and non-folding areas spaced apart from each other with the folding area therebetween and a support plate under the display module. The support plate includes an upper plate having first openings spaced apart from each other and defined through a portion thereof overlapping the folding area, a lower plate under the upper plate and having second openings spaced apart from each other and defined through a portion thereof overlapping the folding area, and an intermediate plate between the upper plate and the lower plate and including first and second parts spaced apart from each other at the folding area and respectively overlapping the non-folding areas.