Flexible Display Boundary Gap for Seamless Planar Deformed Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with slidable displays face the challenge of minimizing the external visibility of the boundary region between the planar and deformable display areas, which can create a visually unappealing step or discontinuity.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display device design incorporating a supporter with first and second support plates and a fastening part, along with protection layers, to create a gap under the boundary region, minimizing external visibility by ensuring a seamless transition between the planar and deformable regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a slidable display structure is implemented with planar and deformable regions, then the display can expand and contract for portability, but the boundary region between planar and deformable areas becomes visually visible and creates an unappealing step

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay expandabilityVSAvoidboundary region visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a gap in the protection layer at the boundary region, creating a vertical dimension change that allows the deformable region to move without creating a visible horizontal step. The gap enables the boundary to recede into the display thickness, transforming a 2D visual problem into a 3D spatial solution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The gap acts as an intermediary space between the planar and deformable regions, allowing smooth transition and preventing direct visual contact between the two distinct display areas. This intermediate gap masks the boundary, making it imperceptible from the front view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If protection layers are added to cover the boundary region, then the boundary visibility is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveboundary region visibilityVSAvoidprotection layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding more protection layers to cover the boundary, the patent extracts or removes material to create a gap in the existing protection layer. This subtraction approach simplifies the structure by eliminating the need for additional covering layers while still achieving boundary masking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The protection layer is designed as a thin film structure with a gap, allowing it to flex and adapt to the deformable region's movement. This thin film approach maintains simplicity while providing the necessary visual masking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS20240412666A1Display device including flat region and deformed region

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A flexible display device comprises: a display panel including a flat region, a deformed region, and a boundary region between the flat region and the deformed region; a support member including a first support plate facing the flat region and the boundary region and a second support plate facing the boundary region and the deformed region; and at least one protective layer disposed between the support member and the display panel and including a gap in a region corresponding to the boundary region, wherein the second support plate may overlap with a portion of the first support plate, the gap, and a coupling portion when the display panel is viewed from above. Other electronic devices are provided.