Flexible Display with Electroactive Polymer Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic device displays are limited by rigid frame structures, restricting their thickness and size due to the forces required for opening and closing, which hinders the integration of flexible display configurations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electroactive polymer (EAP) structure into the display, activated by a controller to open, close, expand, or contract, eliminating the need for a hinge assembly and allowing for adjustable curvature and size in the X-Y plane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid frame structure is used to support the display, then the display can maintain structural integrity, but the thickness and size of the display are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidthickness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional rigid frame structure with a flexible display structure that can bend and flex. The display uses flexible substrates and flexible circuit boards to eliminate the need for rigid frames, thereby reducing thickness while maintaining structural integrity through flexible material design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic hinge mechanism that allows the display to flex and bend dynamically. The hinge assembly is designed to accommodate flexible display components, enabling the display to change its shape and configuration without requiring a rigid frame structure, thus reducing thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If a rigid frame structure is used to support the display, then the display can maintain structural integrity, but the size of the display in the x-y plane is limited by the frame dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoiddisplay size in x-y plane

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible substrates and flexible circuit boards that allow the display to extend beyond the constraints of a rigid frame. The flexible display structure can be configured in various shapes and sizes, enabling larger display areas in the x-y plane while maintaining structural integrity through flexible material support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the display structure into modular segments that can be independently configured. The display is divided into multiple flexible components that can be arranged in different configurations, allowing the display size in the x-y plane to be adjusted without being constrained by a single rigid frame dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a hinge assembly is used to open and close the display, then the display can be positioned, but additional forces are required that limit display flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay positioningVSAvoiddisplay flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the hinge assembly to accommodate flexible display materials. The hinge is designed with specific flexibility and strength characteristics that allow it to support flexible displays, enabling the display to be positioned and configured in various ways without requiring additional forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If traditional hinge assemblies are used, then the display can be opened and closed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening and closing functionVSAvoidhinge assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the traditional rigid hinge assembly by implementing a flexible display structure that can bend and flex without requiring a complex hinge mechanism. The flexible display components are designed to inherently provide the opening and closing function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical hinge assembly with a flexible display structure that uses material flexibility and elastic properties to achieve the opening and closing function. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 flexible and adjustable display configurations, enhancing user interaction and reducing physical constraints, while maintaining secure and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating an electroactive polymer (EAP) structure into the display, activated by a controller to open, close, expand, or contract

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroactive polymer: Electroactive Polymer

Data Source

PatentUS9547339B2Smart flexible display

Publication Date: 2017.01.17 INTEL CORP

AI summary

In one example an electronic device, comprises a base section and a display connectable to the base section and comprising a flexible emissive projection display (EPD) layer, and an electroactive polymer (EAP) structure coupled to the EPD layer. Other examples may be described.