Multi-Joint Display Support for Flat Foldable Screen Unfolding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display apparatuses face challenges in maintaining the side and central portions of a display panel flat when unfolded, making it difficult to ensure a smooth and wrinkle-free display surface.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus with a multi-joint structure and elastic portions that include support members and locking portions, where the elastic portions are designed to press the multi-joint structure towards the display panel, maintaining it flat during unfolding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the display panel is unfolded to increase display area, then the display area is increased, but the side and central portions of the display panel become difficult to maintain flat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidflatness of display panel
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic portion is pre-configured in the multi-joint structure to automatically press the display panel toward the flat state when the structure is assembled, before any external forces are applied during unfolding operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic portion is specifically positioned at the side surface of the multi-joint structure where it contacts the display panel, providing localized pressing force precisely where needed to maintain flatness of the side and central portions during unfolding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If elastic portions are added to maintain display panel flatness, then the flatness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflatness of display panelVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic portion is integrated into the multi-joint structure as an inherent component rather than a separate additive element, merging the flatness-maintaining function with the existing structural framework

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic portion automatically adjusts and presses the display panel based on its own elastic properties when the multi-joint structure moves, without requiring external control systems or additional actuators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively maintains the display panel flat, preventing wrinkles and ensuring a smooth display surface by using elastic portions to counteract bending forces.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic portion disposed on a side surface of the multi-joint structure and configured to press the multi-joint structure toward a surface of the display panel on which an image is displayed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4394551B1Display apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4394551B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4394551B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4394551B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Provided is a display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a case, a moving portion inserted into or withdrawn from the case, a multi-joint structure inserted into or withdrawn from the case, a display panel disposed on outer surfaces of the case and the multi-joint structure, maintained in a bent state on a side surface of the moving portion, and inserted into or withdrawn from the case in case that the moving portion moves, and an elastic portion disposed on a side surface of the multi-joint structure and configured to press the multi-joint structure toward a surface of the display panel on which an image is displayed.