Adjustable Rigidity Display Device Using Fluid Viscosity Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible displays face challenges in maintaining rigidity and shape consistency for user interaction and storage, as they need to transition between flexible and rigid states for various applications without compromising display quality or durability.

Innovation Solution

The use of an adjustable-rigidity apparatus with a layered structure, comprising flexible and rigid sheets, and a fluid-filled channel system that can change viscosity and pressure in response to electrical or magnetic stimuli, allowing the display to switch between flexible and rigid states, enabling it to maintain a flat or curved shape as needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display is made completely flexible to enable compact storage and wearable applications, then adaptability and portability are improved, but shape stability and rigidity for user interaction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility for storage and wearable applicationsVSAvoidshape stability for user interaction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The display device incorporates an adjustable rigidity mechanism that allows the display to dynamically transition between flexible and rigid states. This is achieved through a support structure with adjustable mechanical properties, enabling the display to adapt its rigidity level based on operational requirements - flexible during storage/transport and rigid during user interaction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs materials or mechanisms whose physical parameters (particularly rigidity and mechanical strength) can be changed on demand. This could involve using materials with variable stiffness, inflatable support structures, or mechanically adjustable components that alter the display's rigidity parameter to match different usage scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the display maintains a rigid shape for durability and user interaction, then strength and stability are improved, but flexibility for compact storage and wearable applications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverigidity for durability and interactionVSAvoidflexibility for storage and wearable use

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display device is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated system that provides both rigid and flexible operational modes. The adjustable rigidity mechanism serves dual purposes: protecting the display during transport and enabling user interaction when needed, eliminating the need for separate rigid and flexible display systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the display structure is made adjustable with fluid-based systems to change rigidity, then adaptability between flexible and rigid states is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustable rigidity statesVSAvoidcomplexity of fluid-based control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic principles to control the rigidity of the display support structure. By introducing or removing fluid pressure into inflatable elements or hydraulic chambers within the support structure, the display can transition between flexible and rigid states. This approach leverages well-understood physical principles to achieve complex functionality with relatively simple control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

This solution allows the display to seamlessly transition between flexible and rigid states, enhancing user interaction while maintaining display quality and durability, and enabling compact storage and various form factors.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid-based system that can change viscosity and pressure to alter the display's rigidity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscosity change:

Data Source

PatentUS9756702B2Display device with adjustable rigidity

Publication Date: 2017.09.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

In one embodiment, a device includes a first sheet configured to flex; a second sheet disposed below the first sheet; and an intermediate region disposed between the sheets. The intermediate region may include multiple supports, each of the supports connected to portions of the first and second sheets and configured to maintain a spacing between the sheets. The intermediate region may also include multiple channels configured to contain a fluid in the spacing between the sheets, each of the channels disposed between two or more supports. The fluid is configured to be in an active or an inactive state. When the fluid is in the inactive state, the device is substantially flexible, and when the fluid is in the active state, the device is substantially rigid.