Glass Support Member for Foldable Display Crease Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices with metal support members suffer from increased weight and permanent deformation when repeatedly folded and unfolded, leading to deteriorated display quality due to creases.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device design featuring a support member made of glass material with specific opening patterns and multiple support portions, along with an additional support member underneath, to reduce weight and prevent creasing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal support member is used, then the rigidity and support strength are improved, but the weight of the device increases and permanent deformation occurs during repeated folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metal to glass, which has different density and mechanical properties. Glass material provides sufficient support strength while having lower density, thereby reducing the overall device weight without compromising the support function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple glass layers (first glass support member and second glass support member) with different thicknesses and opening patterns. This composite material approach achieves both lightweight construction and adequate mechanical strength for supporting the display module during folding operations.
2Strength
If a metal support member is used, then the support strength is improved, but permanent deformation and creasing occur during repeated folding and unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from metal to glass, fundamentally altering the deformation characteristics. Glass exhibits different elastic properties that prevent permanent deformation and crease formation during repeated folding cycles, thereby maintaining display quality and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements opening patterns (first opening pattern and second opening pattern) in the glass support members, creating localized regions with different mechanical properties. These openings are strategically positioned to allow controlled flexibility in folding areas while maintaining overall structural integrity and preventing crease formation on the display surface.
3Strength
If the support member thickness is increased, then the rigidity and support capability are improved, but the device thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure of multiple glass layers with varying thicknesses (first thickness and second thickness) rather than a single thick support member. This multi-layer configuration provides enhanced support capability and rigidity while keeping the overall thickness manageable, as the distributed structure is more efficient than a monolithic thick layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display device includes a display module including a first non-folding portion, a second non-folding portion, and a first folding portion between the first non-folding portion and the second non-folding portion, a first support member on a lower surface of the display module, the first support member including a first support portion supporting the first non-folding portion, a second support portion supporting the second non-folding portion, and a first opening pattern overlapping the first folding portion, and including a glass material, and a second support member under the first support member and supporting the display module.