Folded Support Structure for Crease-Free Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current folded supports damage flexible structures during folding due to hinge creases, and existing displays and keyboards are non-foldable, leading to size and portability issues.
Innovation Solution
A folded support with rotating connection structures and limit mechanisms that allow for expansion and folding without damaging flexible displays, combined with a flexible display and keyboard design that can be attached to the support for continuous use and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional folded support with hinge structure is used to enable folding, then the support can be folded for compact storage, but the hinge structure causes creases and damages the surface of the flexible structure during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful hinge structure from the folding mechanism. Instead of using a traditional hinge that creates creases, the invention uses a folding support where the flexible structure is detached from the support during folding, allowing the support to fold independently without causing surface damage to the flexible display or keyboard
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining specific folding regions on the flexible structure and corresponding support structures. The flexible structure is designed with predetermined folding zones that allow it to be folded without creasing the display surface, and the support is designed with corresponding features to facilitate this preliminary folding action before the structure is fully collapsed
2Ease of operation
If flexible film displays are used to enable folding and portability, then the display becomes light and thin for easy storage, but the display lacks reliable support and fixation mechanisms when in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a support structure that transitions from a static rigid support to a dynamic adjustable support. The support includes adjustable legs or arms that can be extended or repositioned to provide stable fixation when the display is in use, and collapsed for compact storage when not in use, allowing the system to adapt between portability and stability requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed with multi-functionality to serve both as a protective backing during folding and as an adjustable stabilization mechanism during use. The same support structure that enables compact folding also provides reliable fixation when deployed, eliminating the need for separate support components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the display size is increased to reduce visual fatigue, then viewing comfort is improved, but the appliance becomes larger and more difficult to carry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a fixed two-dimensional display to a flexible display that can be folded along a third dimension. This allows the display to achieve a large effective viewing area when unfolded (reducing visual fatigue) while maintaining a compact form factor when folded for portability, effectively resolving the contradiction between display size and carryability
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
Enables reliable support and folding of flexible displays without creases, reduces display size for easier carrying, and allows for foldable keyboards and appliances with reduced dimensions and low power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the adjacent folds are connected with each other by a rotating connection structure to realize the rotation of the folded support from a final state of expansion to a final folded state
Data Source
AI summary
Folded support, display, keyboard, and electrical appliance. Folded support comprises a limit structure and folds connected by rotating connection structure and are expandable and foldable. The limit structure ensures the front sides of the folds to be in a same plane in the expanding state of folded support; the rotating connection structure comprises a first and/or second rotating connection structures, the folds connected by the first rotate to get front sides close to each other, the folds connected by the second rotate to get rear sides close to each other; in folding state, a circle formed with the minimum bending radius of a flexible film is contained in the space from end sides of the folds connected by the first to the rotation axis, the end sides of folds connected by the second match up with a flexible film or have a gap to the flexible film.