Adjustable Display Device Curvature Control Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices struggle to provide both wide viewing angles in flat mode and enhanced immersion in curved mode while minimizing vibrations and noise during mode changes, and maintaining a lightweight and thin profile.

Innovation Solution

A variable display device with a backcover system that includes an angle block module and a flatness controlling unit, utilizing a motor-driven mechanism to adjust the curvature and flatness, featuring a flexible OLED display panel for seamless mode transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a curved display device is used to improve immersion and viewing comfort, then the viewing experience is enhanced, but the device cannot provide wide viewing angles in flat mode

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing mode adaptabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device employs a dynamic curvature adjustment mechanism that allows the display panel to transition between flat and curved states. The curvature adjustment module includes a driving mechanism with multiple linkage units that can dynamically change the curvature radius of the display panel, enabling the device to adapt to different viewing scenarios and resolve the contradiction between immersion (curved mode) and wide viewing angles (flat mode).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The curvature adjustment mechanism is divided into multiple independent linkage units (first linkage units and second linkage units) that can operate independently or in coordination. Each linkage unit consists of separate components (linkage bodies, connecting rods, pivots) that can be individually controlled, allowing precise adjustment of different regions of the display panel to achieve optimal curvature for various viewing conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex curvature adjustment mechanism is added to enable mode switching, then adaptability is improved, but the device weight and thickness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display device utilizes a flexible display panel that can be bent and deformed without breaking. The flexible panel works in conjunction with the linkage mechanism to achieve curvature adjustment, eliminating the need for heavy rigid structures. The flexible nature of the panel allows for lightweight construction while maintaining the ability to switch between flat and curved modes effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical curvature adjustment systems with a more efficient linkage mechanism driven by a compact motor. The linkage units use lever arms and connecting rods to amplify the motor's output, achieving effective curvature adjustment with minimal weight. This mechanical substitution optimizes the weight-to-functionality ratio by using force multiplication through the linkage system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If a rigid curvature adjustment mechanism is used to maintain structural stability, then reliability is improved, but vibrations and noise increase during mode changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidvibrations and noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The curvature adjustment mechanism incorporates damping elements and friction-based pivot joints that provide inherent vibration suppression during mode transitions. The pivot connections between linkage units include frictional elements that dampen oscillations and prevent excessive vibrations. This beforehand cushioning approach reduces noise and vibrations during curvature adjustment while maintaining structural stability throughout the transition process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2940552B1Adjustable display device
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP2940552B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2940552B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2940552B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device (100) capable of being adjusted between flat and curved comprising: a display panel; a back cover system (200) including: at least two angle block modules (210), one in each half of the back cover system, wherein moving the angle block modules (210) changes a curvature of the display panel; a driving system (220) to move the angle block modules (210). A driving system (220) includes a motor; a gear connected to the motor; block units (211) arranged in a row in the angle block module (210) and positioned at a rear of the display panel; a shaft beaung (217) connecting a first block unit (211a) to a second block unit (211b). A flatness controlling unit (300) comprises an angle block module (210) having a flatness controlling groove (320); a wire (310) guided by the flatness controlling groove (320); and a tension adjusting part (A) including a portion of the wire (310) and a spring (330) connected to the portion of the wire (310).