Flexible Display Blade Speaker Alignment in Sliding Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with sliding mechanisms, such as clamshell and slider devices, tend to be bulky in their closed position due to the requirement of two device housings, while also compromising on audio performance and display surface area.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a single device housing featuring a flexible display integrated into a 'blade' assembly that wraps around the housing, allowing the blade assembly to slide between extended, retracted, and peek positions, while maintaining axial alignment of permanent magnets to define an operable audio output device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two device housings are used to create sliding mechanisms (clamshell or slider), then the device can provide mechanical sliding functionality, but the device becomes bulky in closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display and speaker into a single integrated assembly that slides within one device housing. The flexible display is coupled to the speaker assembly, creating a unified moving unit that eliminates the need for separate housings while maintaining sliding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the display support structure, houses the speaker components, and provides the sliding mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two device housings are used for sliding mechanisms, then mechanical sliding is achieved, but audio performance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The speaker assembly is integrated with the flexible display assembly, allowing the speaker to be positioned optimally within the single housing. The permanent magnets are strategically positioned on the blade assembly to ensure proper alignment with the speaker during sliding, maintaining audio performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade assembly with integrated speaker and display is designed to slide dynamically between extended and retracted positions. The magnetic alignment system ensures that audio components remain properly positioned during movement, maintaining consistent audio performance across different blade positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two device housings are used, then sliding functionality is provided, but display surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display is configured to wrap around the device housing, utilizing the three-dimensional space available on the housing surfaces. This allows the display to extend beyond traditional flat surfaces, increasing the effective display area without requiring additional housing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The display and speaker assembly is merged into a single blade unit that can extend to maximize display surface area. When the blade is in the extended position, the flexible display can cover larger surface areas of the housing, providing more display real estate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If permanent magnets are positioned on the blade assembly, then audio output functionality is maintained across blade positions, but magnetic alignment must be precise
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnets are pre-positioned on the blade assembly during manufacturing to ensure proper alignment with the speaker components. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the blade reaches its operational positions (extended or retracted), the magnetic alignment is already optimized for audio output.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic alignment system is designed to maintain proper positioning dynamically as the blade moves. The permanent magnets are strategically placed on the blade assembly to work in conjunction with the speaker's magnetic components, ensuring consistent audio performance regardless of the blade's position within the housing.
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 achieves a compact geometric form factor without sacrificing audio performance, while allowing for a larger display surface area, and ensures the device remains functional for audio output regardless of the blade assembly's position.
Implementation Method 1
positioned on the blade assembly a first permanent magnet and a second permanent magnet, wherein positioning of the blade assembly in the extended position causes the first permanent magnet and second permanent magnet to axially align, thereby defining an audio output device
Implementation Method 2
when a coil coupled to the first permanent magnet is energized with an electrical audio signal, displacement is caused between the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet to deliver acoustic energy to an environment of the electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a device housing, a blade assembly carrying a blade and a flexible display and slidably coupled to the device housing, and a translation mechanism operable to slide the blade assembly relative to the device housing between an extended position and a retracted position. The electronic device includes a first audio output device component mechanically coupled to the blade assembly and a second audio output device component mechanically coupled to a surface carried by the device housing. Translation of the blade assembly to the extended position causes the first audio output device component and the second audio output device component to axially align, thereby defining an audio output device.