Flexible Display Curvature Control via Drive Unit and Hinge Plate

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current display devices lack the ability to freely change curvature without risking damage to the display panel, limiting their adaptability and usability in various applications.

Innovation Solution

A display device with an open frame structure and a drive mechanism that allows for the flexible change of curvature by using a side frame and drive unit to apply attraction or repulsion forces, adjusting the gap between the flexible display panel and rigid bar, and incorporating a hinge-coupled wing plate to alter the curvature of the display panel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display panel is used to enable curvature changes, then adaptability is improved, but the display panel may be damaged during curvature adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurvature change capabilityVSAvoiddisplay panel integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A support frame is introduced as an intermediary structure between the drive mechanism and the flexible display panel. The support frame provides a stable structural basis that guides and supports the curvature adjustment process, preventing direct stress concentration on the display panel that could cause damage while enabling the desired curvature changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame acts as a protective structure that anticipates and prevents potential damage to the flexible display panel during curvature adjustment. By providing structural support and guidance before the curvature change occurs, the system prevents stress concentration and potential panel failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If mechanical actuators are used to change display curvature, then curvature control is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurvature controlVSAvoidmechanical actuator system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is designed with movable connections that allow dynamic adjustment of the flexible display panel's curvature. The frame structure itself is configured to enable bending movements, transforming the static support structure into a dynamic system that adapts to curvature changes without requiring complex external actuators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, guides the curvature adjustment, protects the display panel, and enables the bending movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical actuators and other auxiliary components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the gap between flexible display panel and rigid bar is reduced to increase curvature range, then curvature adaptability is improved, but the risk of display panel damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurvature rangeVSAvoiddisplay panel stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame serves as an intermediary that enables the flexible display panel to approach closer to the rigid bar while preventing direct contact and potential damage. The frame structure distributes and manages the stress that arises during curvature adjustment, allowing for a reduced gap and increased curvature range without compromising panel integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the display device to change curvature freely while preventing damage to the display panel, enhancing its adaptability and usability by maintaining a smooth curved surface and increasing the range of curvature changes.

Implementation Method 1

the drive unit may provide an attraction force or a repulsion force for the side frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAttraction force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the drive unit may provide an attraction force or a repulsion force for the side frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRepulsion force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3249640B1Display device
Publication Date: 2019.11.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3249640B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3249640B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3249640B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device is disclosed. The display device includes a flexible display panel, a flexible plate positioned at a rear of the flexible display panel, a rigid bar adjacent to an edge of a back surface of the flexible plate, a drive unit installed to a rear of the flexible plate, and a wing plate connecting the drive unit to the rigid bar and hinge-coupled to the rigid bar.