Flexible Device Curvature Fixing Component

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flexible electronic devices struggle to maintain curvature due to the need for continuous power supply in existing fixing components, and hinged mechanisms fail to balance portability and information display effectively.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable and automatic deformation method using a component with a permanent magnet substrate and a magnetic substrate, where an electromagnet structure is driven to release or lock the substrates based on applied force or deformation thresholds, allowing for manual or automatic curvature adjustment without continuous power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If an electroactive polymer (EAP) is used as a fixing component, then the curvature of the flexible device can be maintained, but continuous power supply is required which increases energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurvature maintenanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnet is activated periodically to adjust the curvature to desired positions, rather than requiring continuous power supply. Once positioned, the magnetic substrate maintains the curvature without continuous energy input, achieving periodic action instead of continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electroactive polymer (EAP) system with a magnetic field-based system using permanent magnets and electromagnets. This substitution eliminates the need for continuous electrical power to maintain curvature, as the permanent magnets provide sustained magnetic force without energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a hinged mechanism is used to fix curvature, then the structure can be adjusted, but it fails to balance portability and information display effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurvature adjustmentVSAvoidportability balance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible magnetic substrates that can be integrated into the thin profile of portable devices. These flexible substrates maintain curvature through magnetic forces rather than mechanical hinges, preserving device slimness and portability while enabling curvature adjustment for different display configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic fixing component allows dynamic adjustment of curvature between different operating modes (e.g., flat for portability, curved for expanded display). The electromagnet can be activated or deactivated to transition between states, providing adaptability without the bulk of traditional hinged mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the electromagnet structure is continuously activated, then the curvature can be maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurvature fixationVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The permanent magnet substrate provides sustained magnetic attraction without requiring continuous energy input. Once the electromagnet positions the permanent magnet substrate, the system maintains curvature through the inherent magnetic properties of the permanent magnets, effectively serving itself without continuous power supply

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnet is activated only periodically to adjust or reposition the curvature, rather than running continuously. After positioning, the permanent magnets maintain the curvature without additional energy input, converting continuous operation into periodic activation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables flexible devices to maintain curvature effectively while reducing power consumption and enhancing portability by allowing for both manual and automatic deformation control.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet structure, a second permanent magnet structure, or a ferromagnetic material structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The permanent magnet substrate includes a first permanent magnet structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Implementation Method 3

a ferromagnetic material structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9343213B2Component for fixing curvature of flexible device and deformation and fixing curvature method

Publication Date: 2016.05.17 HANNSTAR DISPLAY CORP

AI summary

Provided is a component for fixing the curvature of a flexible device. The component includes a permanent magnet substrate and a magnetic substrate connect to the permanent magnet substrate. The permanent magnet substrate includes a first permanent magnet structure, and the magnetic substrate includes an electromagnet structure, a second permanent magnet structure, or a ferromagnetic material structure.