Flexible Electronic Device Bending Recognition Sensor State Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible electronic devices lack an efficient method to automatically switch between non-worn and worn states, leading to suboptimal user experience and functionality, as they often require manual activation and do not seamlessly adapt to being worn or removed.

Innovation Solution

The development of a flexible electronic device that utilizes bending recognition sensors to activate and switch between operation modes, including unlocking the device and executing specific functions when worn, by integrating sensors that detect bending and pressure, allowing for automatic adaptation of user interfaces and operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual activation is required for flexible electronic devices, then device control is simple and reliable, but user convenience and operational efficiency deteriorate due to lack of automatic state adaptation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiddevice control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible electronic device automatically detects its own wearing state through bending recognition sensors and autonomously switches between first and second operation modes without requiring manual user input. The processor identifies the wearing state based on sensor data and automatically configures the user interface and operational parameters accordingly, allowing the device to serve itself in state detection and mode switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical activation (physical buttons, switches, or user intervention) with an automatic sensing system. Bending recognition sensors detect mechanical deformation of the flexible substrate, and the processor translates this physical state into automatic operational mode changes, substituting manual control mechanisms with automated sensor-based detection and response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible electronic devices do not automatically switch between worn and non-worn states, then device structure remains simple, but functionality and user experience deteriorate due to suboptimal operation modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation mode adaptationVSAvoidstate detection and switching mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device dynamically adapts its operational characteristics based on real-time detection of wearing state. The processor continuously monitors bending recognition sensor data and automatically adjusts operational parameters, display orientation, and interface configuration to match the current state (worn or non-worn), enabling the device to optimize its performance for each specific usage condition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible electronic device is designed to perform multiple operational modes (first operation mode for non-worn state, second operation mode for worn state) within a single device structure. The same hardware platform supports both wrist-worn and non-worn configurations with automatic mode switching, making the device universally adaptable to different usage scenarios without requiring separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Extent of automation

If bending recognition sensors are integrated into flexible electronic devices, then automatic state switching is enabled, but device manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic state switchingVSAvoiddevice manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the inherent flexibility of the electronic device substrate to integrate bending recognition sensors directly into the flexible structure. The sensors are configured to detect deformation of the flexible substrate itself, leveraging the device's flexible nature rather than adding rigid sensing components, which simplifies integration and maintains manufacturing compatibility with flexible electronics production methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 seamless switching between non-worn and worn states, enhancing user experience by automatically activating relevant functions and user interfaces, improving convenience and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a bending recognition sensor configured to detect bending of the flexible electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBending detection:

Implementation Method 2

a pressure recognition sensor configured to detect pressure applied to the flexible electronic device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3371676B1Flexible electronic device and method of operating same

Publication Date: 2021.11.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible touch screen including a display, a sensor configured to detect bending of the electronic device, and a processor operably connected to the display and the sensor and configured to determine whether the electronic device is worn by the user and perform an operation of an application executed before the electronic device is worn by the user based on a determination that the electronic device is worn by the user.