Translating Flexible Display Assembly That Prevents Crumpling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable electronic devices with clamshell or slider configurations face bulkiness in the closed position due to multiple device housings, limiting the use of larger display surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display integrated into a blade assembly that slides around a single device housing, transitioning between extended, retracted, and peek positions, using a translation mechanism to maintain a flat upper portion and prevent crumpling, with actuators like spring or dual-shaft motors for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If multiple device housings are used for clamshell or slider configurations, then the device can provide a larger display surface area, but the device becomes bulky in the closed position
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display is nested within a single device housing, allowing the display to be stored compactly when not in use. The blade assembly with flexible display can be retracted into the housing, creating a compact form factor while maintaining the capability for a large display surface area when extended.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible display transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, allowing it to extend and retract. This dynamic capability enables the display to provide a large surface area when needed while maintaining a compact form factor when retracted, resolving the contradiction between display size and device bulkiness.
2Area of moving object
If a flexible display is made to translate around a single device housing, then the device achieves a compact form factor with larger display area, but the flexible display may crumple or pillow during sliding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display uses a thin film structure that can bend and translate without breaking. The flexible substrate and thin film layers are designed to accommodate the sliding motion while maintaining display integrity, preventing crumpling and pillowing during translation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible display is constructed with multiple thin layers including flexible substrate, adhesive layers, and display elements. This segmented structure allows each layer to flex and move independently, maintaining overall flatness and preventing crumpling during sliding operations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the blade assembly is made rigid to support the flexible display, then the display remains stable, but the assembly cannot slide smoothly around the device housing
Solution Approach 1:
The blade assembly has different rigidity characteristics in different regions. The portion supporting the flexible display is made rigid to maintain stability, while the portions that contact and slide along the device housing are made flexible or compliant to enable smooth sliding motion. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a flexible display and a device housing that defines a translation surface for the flexible display. A blade assembly is positioned between the flexible display and the translation surface. A rotor is positioned within a curvilinear section of the blade assembly and flexible display. A translation mechanism translates the blade assembly and flexible display between an extended position, a retracted position, and a peek position revealing an image capture device. A multi-region cantilever brush has a partially serrated brush region with cantilevered brush bristles that deflect when a translating mechanical coupler passes through the partially serrated brush region.