Flexible Display Panel Linkage for Gap-Free Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display devices with variably bent panels face issues with inconsistent distances between adjacent displays, disrupting the continuity of the screen when bent, which is not suitable for basic display conditions.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a support system and connecting rods that allow each display panel to bend independently while maintaining a stable connection, using rotators and sliders to adjust the distance between panels, ensuring no gaps form when the displays are bent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible display panels are used to enable bending, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but the distance between boundaries of adjacent displays varies causing gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending capabilityVSAvoiddistance between displays
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting structure includes rotators and sliders that dynamically adjust the distance between adjacent display panels as they bend. The rotator allows rotational movement to accommodate curvature changes, while the slider adjusts the linear distance between panels, maintaining consistent spacing throughout the bending process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A connecting structure acts as an intermediary between adjacent display panels, comprising a rotator and slider mechanism that mediates the distance variation caused by bending. This intermediary component actively compensates for the distance changes, ensuring continuous screen display without gaps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the support structure is made more complex to maintain distance between bent displays, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistance between displaysVSAvoidsupport structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into modular components: a rotator unit and a slider unit. Each component performs a specific function - the rotator handles angular adjustments while the slider manages linear distance - allowing the complex function to be achieved through simple, interchangeable parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than a rigid fixed-distance support structure, the invention uses dynamic components that automatically adjust to maintain proper spacing. The rotator and slider work together to provide real-time compensation for distance variations, reducing the need for complex pre-engineered support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the connecting structure is simplified to reduce device complexity, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to maintain continuous screen during bending deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnecting structureVSAvoidcontinuous screen display
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting structure uses simple dynamic components (rotator and slider) that automatically adjust during bending to maintain continuous screen display. The rotator provides rotational freedom while the slider maintains proper spacing, achieving the continuous display goal with minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting structure is designed to self-adjust during the bending process. As the flexible displays bend, the rotator and slider automatically compensate for distance changes without requiring external control or complex mechanisms, maintaining screen continuity through self-service adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The solution ensures that the displays remain connected without gaps even when bent, providing a stable and continuous screen while minimizing the weight and complexity of the support structure.

Implementation Method 1

the connecting rod rotates relative to the plurality of display panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

the connecting rod rotates relative to the plurality of display panels and simultaneously slides relative to the frame

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSliding:

Data Source

PatentEP3355294B1Display device
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3355294B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3355294B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP3355294B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device (100) is disclosed, in which a plurality of displays (110, 120) are arranged to output an image, and a gap is not generated between the displays even if the displays are bent. The display device comprises a display panel configured to bend; a support (1390) coupled to the display panel to support the display panel; a connecting rod (212) having a first end rotatably coupled to the display panel and a second end slidably coupled to the support; wherein, when the display panel is controlled to bend, the connecting rod rotates relative to the first display panel and simultaneously slides relative to the support.