Multi-Support Screen Assembly for Foldable Display Crease Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

The surface of a flexible display in foldable electronic devices is prone to creasing when switching between folded and unfolded states, leading to potential damage and reduced portability.

Innovation Solution

A support structure comprising a first, second, and third support that rotate relative to each other, allowing the flexible display to be supported on multiple surfaces, with spaces between these supports accommodating the display during folding to prevent creasing and provide protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the flexible display is folded to improve portability, then the device becomes more portable, but the display surface becomes creased and may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddisplay integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple independent support members (first support member, second support member, third support member) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows each support member to independently accommodate the flexible display during folding, preventing creases while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested arrangement where the flexible display is positioned between multiple support members. The first, second, and third support members create nested spaces that accommodate the display during folding operations, similar to nested dolls providing protective layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If multiple support members are added to prevent creasing, then display protection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay protectionVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each support member serves multiple functions: providing structural support, creating accommodating spaces for the flexible display, and enabling folding motion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the addition of multiple support members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The support members are designed with rotational joints that allow them to dynamically adjust their positions relative to each other. This dynamic capability enables the structure to automatically adapt to the folding and unfolding states, providing display protection without requiring complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4142267B1Support structure, screen assembly and electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 VIVO MOBILE COMM CO LTD
  • EP4142267B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4142267B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4142267B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention provides a support structure, a display assembly, an electronic device. The support structure includes a first support having a first supporting surface, a second support having a second supporting surface, a third support having a third supporting surface. The first support is provided with a first connecting portion. The second support rotatably fits with the first support about an axis of rotation. The second support is provided with a second connecting portion. The first and second connecting portions are spaced apart from the axis of rotation. The third support is rotatably connected to the first and second connecting portions. When the support structure is in a folded state, the first and second supporting surfaces are spaced apart from the third supporting surface, and the first supporting surface and the second supporting surface each form a specific included angle with the third supporting surface.