Foldable Display Support Plate Eliminates Visible Open Area Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable display devices face issues with the visibility of open area patterns on the display panel when folded, which complicates the fabrication process and increases costs due to the need for additional layers and patterns.
Innovation Solution
A support plate with a semi-cured prepreg layer composed of resin and carbon fibers is used on the back plate, eliminating the need for an open area pattern and simplifying the structure, allowing the display device to fold without visible patterns and reducing fabrication complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an open area pattern is formed in the plate bottom portion to enable folding, then the display device becomes foldable, but the open area pattern becomes visible in the display panel when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the open area pattern from the plate bottom portion entirely, extracting the harmful visual element while preserving the folding function through alternative means (flexible hinge structure). This eliminates the source of the visible pattern problem while maintaining adaptability for folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flexible hinge structure as an intermediary mechanism that enables folding without requiring the open area pattern. The hinge acts as a mediator that provides the necessary flexibility and folding capability while keeping the display panel surface clean and pattern-free.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple layers and patterns are added to enable folding without visible patterns, then the visibility issue is resolved, but the fabrication process becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the unnecessary open area pattern and associated covering structures (plate top portion, adhesion layers) from the design. This simplification reduces fabrication complexity while maintaining the no-visible-pattern requirement through the flexible hinge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the folding function from the display panel structure by implementing a separate flexible hinge mechanism. This segmentation allows the folding capability to be achieved independently without integrating complex patterns into the display panel fabrication process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional layers and patterns are implemented to prevent pattern visibility, then the aesthetic quality improves, but the device weight and thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary layers including the plate top portion, first adhesion layer, and second adhesion layer that were required to cover the open area pattern. This extraction significantly reduces the overall weight and thickness of the display device while maintaining the aesthetic requirement of no visible patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the folding function into a dedicated flexible hinge structure, eliminating the need for additional covering layers. This segmentation reduces material usage and device weight while achieving the desired aesthetic quality through the hinge mechanism rather than through pattern coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A support plate, a method of manufacturing the same, and a foldable display device including the same. The support plate is provided on a bottom portion of a back plate bendable about a folding axis. The support plate includes a support layer. The support layer includes one or more prepregs each comprising a resin and carbon fibers. The support plate is provided in a semi-cured state, and is attached to the bottom portion of the back plate without an adhesive. The support plate is enabled to be folded without an open area pattern.