Foldable Display Support Plate Openings for Folding Area Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices, such as foldable display devices, face challenges in maintaining the integrity of the folding area, as existing designs can lead to deformation when folded, affecting the device's durability and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a support system with a support plate and sheet part between the folding area and hinge part, featuring openings that overlap the rotation axes, which helps distribute stress and prevent deformation by providing a flexible buffering action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support structure is used below the folding area, then the folding area is protected from deformation, but the flexibility and foldability of the display device is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is divided into multiple sections with openings that align with the hinge part, creating segmented support zones. This segmentation allows the support structure to flex at the opening locations while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling both protection from deformation and preservation of foldability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate has different structural properties in different regions - solid areas provide rigid support for structural integrity, while opening areas provide flexibility for folding. This local variation in quality allows the single component to satisfy both contradictory requirements simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a continuous support plate is used below the folding area, then the folding area is stabilized, but stress concentration occurs at the hinge part causing deformation
Solution Approach 1:
Material is extracted from the support plate at locations corresponding to the hinge part, creating openings that remove the source of stress concentration. This extraction allows stress to be distributed around the opening edges rather than concentrated at a single point, preventing deformation while maintaining overall stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings in the support plate are positioned beforehand to coincide with the hinge part location, creating predetermined stress relief zones. This prior design consideration cushiones against stress concentration before it can cause deformation, allowing the structure to withstand folding stresses.
3Device complexity
If the hinge part is positioned directly below the folding area, then the folding mechanism is simplified, but the folding area undergoes deformation during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate with openings acts as an intermediary element between the hinge part and the folding area. It transmits the folding motion from the hinge while simultaneously providing support to prevent deformation of the folding area, mediating between the simple hinge configuration and the preserved shape.
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
This configuration effectively prevents deformation of the folding area, enhancing the durability and usability of flexible display devices by ensuring the folding mechanism remains intact and functional.
Implementation Method 1
The support plate may have a plurality of openings overlapping a portion of the hinge part in a plan view... helps distribute stress and prevent deformation by providing a flexible buffering action
Implementation Method 2
The support plate may have a plurality of openings overlapping a portion of the hinge part in a plan view... providing a flexible buffering action
Data Source
AI summary
A display device including a display module including a first non-folding area, a second non-folding area, and a folding area disposed between the first and second non-folding areas, a first support part disposed below the first non-folding area, a second support part disposed below the second non-folding area, a hinge part disposed below the folding area, a sheet part disposed between the folding area and the hinge part, and a support plate disposed between the sheet part and the hinge part, the support plate having a plurality of openings overlapping a portion of the hinge part in a plan view.