Flexible Display Device Using Electrostrictive and Shape Memory Alloy Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible display devices require external forces for bending or stretching and suffer from non-uniform display effects and inconvenient use due to stress-induced return to original shape.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display device comprising a flexible base substrate, an electrodeformation layer that generates deformation when powered, including sub-stretch layers with electrostrictive materials and a sub-bending layer using TiNi memory alloy, allowing for automatic flexible display and return to original shape upon power cutoff.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If external forces are applied to achieve flexible display, then the display can be bent or stretched, but the display device returns to original shape due to stress and requires continuous external force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible display capabilityVSAvoidconvenience of use

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electrostrictive materials and shape memory alloys that can automatically generate and maintain deformation states when electrical power is supplied, eliminating the need for continuous external mechanical force. The materials self-regulate their shape through electrical actuation, allowing the display to maintain bent or stretched positions without external support structures or continuous actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical bending/stretching systems with electrical actuation systems using electrostrictive materials and shape memory alloys. Instead of applying continuous mechanical force, electrical signals control the material deformation, enabling more convenient and controllable flexible display operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If external forces are used to bend or stretch the display, then flexible display is achieved, but the display effect is non-uniform due to stress distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible display capabilityVSAvoiddisplay uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs electrostrictive materials and shape memory alloys that can be locally actuated through electrical fields. By applying voltage to specific regions, only those areas deform while maintaining uniform stress distribution throughout the material, ensuring consistent display quality across the entire flexible display surface without the non-uniform stress effects of external mechanical forcing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional flexible display structures are used, then external forcing mechanisms are required, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexible display capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameter from mechanical force application to electrical field control. By using electrostrictive materials and shape memory alloys, the system achieves flexible display through electrical parameter control rather than complex mechanical actuation systems, significantly reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full flexible display functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 automatic flexible display with improved display effect and convenience by eliminating the need for external forces, ensuring uniform deformation and easy shape recovery.

Implementation Method 1

When first voltages with opposite polarities are applied to two adjacent first electrodes, the first stretch parts of the first sub-stretch layer stretch in the second direction... When second voltages with opposite polarities are applied to two adjacent second electrodes, the second stretch parts of the second sub-stretch layer stretch in the first direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostriction: Electrostriction

Implementation Method 2

The sub-bending layer includes: two strip-shaped third electrodes extending in a third direction, as well as at least one strip-shaped bending strip attached onto the base substrate and extending in a fourth direction... when third voltages with opposite polarities are applied to the two third electrodes, the bending strip of the sub-bending layer bends at a preset curvature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS10817024B2Flexible display device

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 BEIJING BOE DISPLAY TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a flexible display device. The flexible display device comprises: a flexible base substrate, an electrodeformation layer set on the flexible base substrate, and a display layer set on the electrodeformation layer; wherein, the electrodeformation layer is configured to, when power is supplied, generate deformation, further cause the flexible base substrate and the display layer to generate corresponding deformation, cause the flexible display device to achieve flexible display, and when power is cut off, return to an original shape.