Flexible Display Support Members for Flat Foldable Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable electronic devices with multi-link hinge assemblies are complicated, costly to assemble, and cause unevenness in the screen surface, leading to user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A supporting device comprising flexible first and second supporting plates and supporting members that convert between open and folded states, allowing the flexible display to be smoothly folded and unfolded, with the supporting members' end portions being resiliently deformable to accommodate different display configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-link hinge assembly is used to enable folding, then the folding function is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting device is divided into multiple independent supporting members (first supporting member, second supporting member, third supporting member, fourth supporting member) that are spaced apart from each other. Each supporting member independently supports the flexible display, allowing the complex folding function to be achieved through simple, modular components rather than a complicated multi-link hinge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complicated multi-link hinge assembly from the device structure, replacing it with a simplified supporting device that uses only supporting members and supporting plates. This extraction eliminates the source of structural complexity while preserving the essential folding capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-link hinge assembly is used to enable folding, then the folding function is achieved, but assembly difficulty and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting device uses multiple independent supporting members that can be separately manufactured and assembled. Each supporting member is a simple component with first and second ends that can be independently produced, making assembly straightforward compared to the integrated complex multi-link hinge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
By removing the multi-link hinge assembly entirely and replacing it with simple supporting members, the manufacturing process is simplified. The supporting members can be manufactured using standard processes and assembled by simply positioning them between the first and second supporting plates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If components of the multi-link hinge assembly overlap when the screen is unfolded, then the folding mechanism works, but the screen surface becomes uneven causing user discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting members are spaced apart from each other in the third direction, creating gaps between them when the screen is unfolded. This segmentation prevents any overlapping or contact between supporting components, ensuring a flat and even screen surface that provides user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting members have different configurations (first supporting member with first inclination, second supporting member with second inclination, etc.) that are asymmetrically arranged. This asymmetric design allows each supporting member to be positioned optimally to prevent overlap while maintaining screen flatness during the unfolded state.
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 provides a cost-effective and comfortable folding mechanism that maintains display smoothness and prevents damage, enhancing user experience and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first end portion and the second end portion of at least one of the supporting members are deformed and that an inclining angle of the main body portion of the at least one of the supporting members relative to the first supporting plate and the second supporting plate changes
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic apparatus includes a flexible display, a housing unit, and a supporting device. The supporting device includes a flexible first supporting plate, a flexible second supporting plate, and a plurality of supporting members. Each of the supporting members has a first end portion that is connected to the first supporting plate, a second end portion that is connected to the second supporting plate, and a main body portion that has two opposite sides respectively connected to the first end portion and the second end portion. The supporting device is operable to convert between a first state, in which two opposite sides of the supporting device are distal from each other, and a second state, in which the supporting device is folded along a folding axis such that the opposite sides of the supporting device are proximate to each other.