Folding Frame with Variable Thickness for Foldable Display

Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable displays that can be folded in three steps to form a G-shape are prone to damage due to repeated folding and unfolding, which causes stress at the bending portions with different radii of curvature, leading to potential damage over time.

Innovation Solution

A folding frame and foldable display design that incorporates different thicknesses for bending portions with varying curvatures, positioning the neutral plane differently to minimize stress and damage, featuring a G-folding structure with a reference plane, first and second folding planes, and first and second bending parts with distinct thicknesses and widths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the folding frame uses uniform thickness across all planes, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the stress distribution during folding is uneven causing damage at bending portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddamage resistance during repeated folding

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The folding frame is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution: the reference plane has a first thickness, while the first and second folding planes have a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. This local quality variation ensures that regions experiencing higher stress during folding (the folding planes) have greater structural strength, while the reference plane maintains sufficient strength with less material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of thickness across different regions of the folding frame. By making the folding planes thicker than the reference plane, the design optimizes the stress distribution during repeated folding and unfolding operations, preventing damage at the bending portions while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the folding frame uses greater thickness at bending portions, then the stress resistance is improved, but the overall weight and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress resistance at bending portionsVSAvoidoverall frame weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The folding frame is designed with non-uniform thickness distribution: the reference plane has a first thickness, while the first and second folding planes have a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. This local quality variation ensures that regions experiencing higher stress during folding (the folding planes) have greater structural strength, while the reference plane maintains sufficient strength with less material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of thickness across different regions of the folding frame. By making the folding planes thicker than the reference plane, the design optimizes the stress distribution during repeated folding and unfolding operations, preventing damage at the bending portions while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11609605B2Folding frame and foldable display

Publication Date: 2023.03.21 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a folding frame for a foldable display and a foldable display. A folding frame for a foldable display may include: a reference plane; a first folding plane disposed at one side of the reference plane; a second folding plane disposed at another side of the reference plane; a first bending part disposed between the reference plane and the first folding plane and having a first bending radius; and a second bending part disposed between the reference plane and the second folding plane and having a second bending radius, wherein the first folding plane is thinner than the reference plane.