Laminated Wing Plate Structure for Foldable Display Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible electronic devices with foldable displays face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and durability during folding and unfolding operations, particularly in the hinge and display assembly areas.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a wing plate formed by laminating multiple sheets and thermoforming them, followed by cutting and washing processes to create a robust support structure for the display assembly, enhancing structural stability and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display is used to enable folding functionality, then the device can be deformed into particular shapes, but the structural integrity and durability during folding and unfolding operations deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding functionalityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple segments including a first support structure, a second support structure, and a hinge unit that connects them. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for flexibility and strength, enabling the display to fold while maintaining overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures in the support frames and hinge units, combining materials with different properties to achieve both flexibility for folding and sufficient strength for durability. The wing plate structure uses composite construction to provide reinforcement at critical stress points while maintaining the overall flexible form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display assembly is made flexible for folding, then the device can be folded, but the structural stability during folding operations deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge unit is designed as a dynamic connection that adapts its structural characteristics during folding and unfolding operations. The hinge provides stable support when the display is in fixed positions (folded or unfolded) while allowing controlled movement during transitions, thus maintaining structural stability throughout the dynamic folding process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the support structure have different structural qualities - the first and second support structures have optimized local properties for flexibility, while the hinge unit and connection areas have enhanced local stability. This local differentiation allows the overall structure to be flexible yet stable during folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hinge unit is added to connect housing parts for folding, then folding functionality is enabled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge unit is merged with the first and second support structures as an integrated assembly rather than separate components. This merging reduces the number of discrete parts and simplifies the overall structure while still providing the necessary folding functionality. The wing plate is also integrated into the support structure to provide reinforcement without adding separate complex components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The wing plate provides enhanced structural support, ensuring the display assembly maintains its form and functionality during folding and unfolding, improving the device's overall durability and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

positioning the plurality of sheets in a mold and thermoforming the plurality of sheets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoforming:

Data Source

PatentEP4707988A1Electronic device comprising wing plate, and manufacturing method of wing plate

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

This electronic device may comprise: a display assembly including a first area, a second area and a folding area between the first area and the second area; a first housing for supporting the first area; a second housing for supporting the second area; a hinge unit connecting the first housing to the second housing, and operating between a folded state in which the first area and the second area face each other and an unfolded state in which the first area and the second area do not face each other; and a wing plate which is disposed between the hinge unit and the display assembly and which supports the display assembly. The wing plate can be formed by laminating a plurality of sheets.