Foldable Display Crease Reduction via Sliding Elastic Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Folding creases are generated in flexible display panels due to repeated folding operations, which affects the performance and longevity of foldable display devices.
Innovation Solution
A display device design that includes a display panel with a support system comprising a housing, a movable part, and an elastic part, where the movable part slides relative to the housing and the elastic part provides a restorative force to minimize creases by changing length when the panel is folded and unfolded, and a bezel member covers the gap formed between the panel and the body when folded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display panel is repeatedly folded to enable foldable display functionality, then the device provides a large screen and foldable structure, but folding creases are generated affecting performance and longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple components: a housing, a movable part that can slide relative to the housing, and an elastic part. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the movable part accommodates folding motion while the elastic part maintains tension, collectively preventing crease formation without restricting the foldable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic part changes its length (physical parameter) in response to folding and unfolding operations. When the display panel is folded, the elastic part compresses; when unfolded, it elongates. This dynamic parameter change allows the system to maintain optimal tension on the display panel throughout the folding cycle, preventing crease generation while preserving foldable adaptability.
2Volume of moving object
If the display panel is folded, then the device achieves compact form factor, but gaps are formed between the panel and body requiring additional components
Solution Approach 1:
A bezel member is introduced as an intermediary component between the display panel and the body frame. This bezel member fills the gap that forms during folding operations, providing a clean aesthetic finish and protecting the gap area without interfering with the folding mechanism or compact form factor achievement.
3Reliability
If the movable part slides relative to the housing during folding, then the elastic part can maintain tension on the display panel, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The movable part is positioned within the housing, and the elastic part is nested between these components. This nested arrangement allows the support mechanism to be compact and integrated rather than distributed, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining the tension-maintenance function through the sliding and elastic components.
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 design reduces the occurrence of folding creases in flexible display panels, enhancing the durability and usability of foldable display devices by maintaining tension and minimizing stress during repeated folding and unfolding.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic part having one side supported by the housing to press the movable part... the elastic part provides a restorative force to elongate the first support... When the display panel is folded, a length of the elastic part may be changed
Implementation Method 2
a movable part supported for slidable movement relative to the housing... When the display panel is folded, the movable part may slidably move with respect to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a display panel; a first support disposed on the display panel and including a housing, a movable part supported for slidable movement relative to the housing, and an elastic part having one side supported by the housing to press the movable part, and a body disposed on the first support and including an inner space overlapping the first support and a second support disposed in the inner space and supporting one side of the movable part.