Multi-Plate Connective Structure for Flat Support and Screen Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deformable electronic apparatus with flexible screens face issues in maintaining an ideal protection state when in a closed posture, as the flexible screen forms a waterdrop-shaped structure that is suspended and prone to damage from impacts.
Innovation Solution
A connective structure with a plate group comprising four or more plates that switches between a flat surface and an accommodation space, supporting and protecting the deformable screen by forming a polygonal space when the apparatus changes postures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the deformable screen is suspended in air when the apparatus is in closed posture, then the apparatus can achieve compact form factor, but the screen is prone to damage from impacts and cannot maintain ideal protection state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the deformable screen inside an accommodation space formed by the plate group when the apparatus is in closed posture. The plate group surrounds and protects the screen, similar to nested dolls, providing protection while maintaining compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the connective structure into multiple plates (first plate, second plate, third plate, fourth plate) that can independently rotate and form the accommodation space. This segmentation allows the screen to be protected while enabling the compact folding mechanism.
2Reliability
If the plate group forms an accommodation space to protect the deformable screen, then screen protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plate group serves multiple functions: it acts as both the connective structure enabling folding and as the protective accommodation space for the screen. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the protective function with the connective structure by making the plate group form both the folding mechanism and the accommodation space. This combining of functions reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate protective structures.
3Ease of operation
If the plate group forms a flat surface to support the deformable screen, then the screen is properly supported in open posture, but the screen is vulnerable to impact damage in closed posture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the plate group rotatable between different postures (first and second postures). The plate group dynamically transitions from forming a flat surface for support in open posture to forming an accommodation space for protection in closed posture, adapting to different operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic apparatus includes first body, connective structure, second body, and deformable screen. The connective structure includes a plate group including four or more plates. The second body is connected to the first body through the connective structure. The deformable screen includes a first portion fixed to the first body, a second portion fixed to the second body, and a deformable portion between the first portion and the second portion. When the first body and the second body are in a first apparatus posture, the plate group of the connective structure forms a flat surface. When the first body and the second body are in a second apparatus posture, the plate group of the connective structure forms an accommodation space. The deformable portion changes between the first state and the second state as the electronic apparatus changes between the first apparatus posture and the second apparatus posture.