Folding Member Curved Guide Trajectory Stress Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable display devices face challenges in minimizing stress and deformation in the folding area due to the pressure from multi-joint parts, which can lead to damage and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

A folding member design featuring first and second supporting members with joint units that rotate along curved trajectories, guided by guide parts and supported by third and fourth supporting members, utilizing a hinge member with rotational axes and elastic components to distribute stress and facilitate smooth folding and unfolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-joint parts are used to enable folding, then the display device can be folded or unfolded to provide a larger display screen, but the display panel is pressed by the joint parts in the folding area causing stress and deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidstress and deformation in folding area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A curved guide structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the joint parts and the display panel. This guide structure includes a guide surface that directs the movement of the joint parts along a curved trajectory, preventing direct contact and pressure between the joint parts and the display panel in the folding area, thereby eliminating stress and deformation while maintaining folding functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of moving object

If joint parts are used to realize foldable display, then the display screen can be expanded when unfolded, but the joint parts press the display panel in the folding area leading to damage and reduced durability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay screen areaVSAvoiddurability of display panel
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The curved guide structure serves as a protective intermediary that separates the joint parts from the display panel during folding operations. By providing a guide surface that channels joint movement along a curved path, it prevents direct contact that would cause damage to the display panel, thereby maintaining durability while enabling screen expansion when unfolded

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If traditional multi-joint structure is used, then the folding mechanism can be realized, but the display panel experiences pressure from joint parts reducing its lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding operationVSAvoidlifespan of display panel
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The curved guide structure acts as a protective intermediary between the joint parts and the display panel. Its guide surface directs joint movement along a curved trajectory, preventing direct contact and pressure on the display panel during folding operations, thereby maintaining ease of operation while extending the lifespan of the display panel by eliminating stress concentration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3697065B1Folding member and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3697065B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3697065B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3697065B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A folding member includes first and second supporting members, joint units connected, on first sides thereof, to the first supporting member, connected, on second sides thereof, to the second supporting member, and coupled to one another to be rotatable along a first curved trajectory, a third supporting member below the first supporting member, a fourth supporting member below the second supporting member, and a hinge member providing first and second rotational axes, which are parallel to each other, to first sides of the third and fourth supporting members, respectively, that are opposite to each other. Each of the joint units includes a first guide part in an area on a bottom thereof. And each of the third and fourth supporting members includes, in an area thereof, a second guide part which guides the first guide part to rotate along the first curved trajectory.