Folded Support Plate Structure for Stable Foldable Display Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding devices with separate support plates for continuous displays occupy additional space, increase weight, and elevate manufacturing costs, while failing to adequately prevent deformation in the display.
Innovation Solution
A single continuous plate is folded over itself to form two parallel support plates, with one plate having a straight edge overhanging the other to support the display, reducing weight and manufacturing costs while mitigating display deformations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate plates are used to form the support plate, then the continuous display is supported and deformation is prevented, but the device occupies additional space, increases in weight, and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two separate support plates are merged into a single continuous plate that is folded over itself to form two parallel plates. This integration reduces the total number of components, decreases device weight, and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the dual-plate support function for preventing display deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single continuous plate is folded over itself, with one portion nested within or adjacent to another portion, forming two parallel support plates from a single material piece. This nesting approach reduces space occupation and eliminates the need for separate components while preserving structural support functionality.
2Reliability
If two separate plates are used to form the support plate, then the continuous display is supported and deformation is prevented, but the device occupies additional space
Solution Approach 1:
The single continuous plate is folded over itself, creating a nested configuration where portions of the plate are layered or positioned adjacent to each other within a compact volume. This nesting reduces the overall space occupied by the support structure while maintaining the two-plate support geometry needed for display stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate support plates are combined into a single continuous plate structure, reducing the total volume occupied by support components. The merged structure maintains the necessary support surface area and geometric configuration while minimizing space consumption within the device.
3Reliability
If two separate plates are used to form the support plate, then the continuous display is supported, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is simplified by producing a single continuous plate instead of two separate plates. This merging reduces material handling, assembly steps, and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the dual-plate support function, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The single continuous plate is segmented or folded into two parallel support plates through a simple folding operation rather than requiring separate manufacturing and assembly of two distinct components. This segmentation approach maintains manufacturing efficiency while achieving the desired support structure geometry.
4Weight of stationary object
If a single continuous plate is folded over itself to form two parallel plates, then weight and manufacturing cost are reduced, but the straight edge may overhang complex outline voids
Solution Approach 1:
The single continuous plate is designed with asymmetric geometry, where one plate has a straight edge and the other has a non-straight outline with voids. This asymmetric design allows the straight edge to overhang the complex outline without creating functional conflicts, optimizing both weight reduction and geometric efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the support plate structure are assigned different geometric qualities - one plate features a simple straight edge for structural integrity and weight efficiency, while the other plate has a complex outlined shape with voids for space optimization and hinge clearance. This local differentiation resolves the geometric complexity challenge.
Data Source
AI summary
An example folding device comprising: a first housing; a second housing; a hinge assembly rotatably connected to the first housing and the second housing; a continuous display connected to and across the first housing and the second housing; and a first collapsible support plate connected to the first housing and configured to support the continuous display when the folding device is fully opened, wherein: the first collapsible support plate comprises a single continuous plate folded over itself to form two parallel plates, a first parallel plate of the two parallel plates defines a straight edge that overhangs one or more voids in a second parallel plate of the two parallel plates, and the straight edge defined by the first parallel plate is adjacent to the hinge assembly.