Flexible Display Housing Lock for Expandable Screen Size

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an electronic device with a flexible display that can change its display size to accommodate various content viewing needs while being compact for easy carrying.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device features a first and second housing with a fastening groove, allowing the second housing to move relative to the first in two directions, and includes a display that can be rolled up or exposed, with a stopper mechanism for securing the housings in different states to adjust the display area size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the display size is increased to accommodate various content viewing needs, then the display area is improved, but the device size and portability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a flexible display that can dynamically change its exposed area by rolling out or rolling in. The display transitions between different states (fully exposed, partially exposed, fully rolled in) to accommodate varying content viewing needs while maintaining a compact form factor when not in use. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the display area to be variable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display is made flexible and movable to adjust display area, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay area adjustmentVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the display into two distinct regions: a first region that is always exposed and visible, and a second region that can be rolled out or rolled in to adjust the display area. This segmentation allows the display to provide basic functionality through the first region while offering extended functionality when the second region is deployed, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display is configured such that the second region can be rolled into or out of the first region, creating a nested structure. When the second region is rolled in, it is stored within or alongside the first region, allowing the entire display assembly to maintain a compact form factor while still providing the capability for area adjustment when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the second housing is made movable relative to the first housing to enable display adjustment, then the flexibility is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing mobilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable second housing that can slide relative to the first housing along a defined axis. This dynamic structure allows the second housing to transition between different positions (retracted and extended) to enable display area adjustment while maintaining structural integrity through guided movement constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a stopper mechanism as an intermediary element between the first and second housings. The stopper can be positioned inside or outside a fastening groove to provide fastening or release the connection between housings, thereby stabilizing the structure when adjustment is not needed while allowing mobility when adjustment is required.

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

This design allows for flexible adjustment of the display area from minimum to maximum size, enhancing user experience by accommodating various content viewing requirements while maintaining a compact form factor.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic structure configured, in the second state, to press the stopper toward the fastening groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a drive unit coupled to the first housing, including a motor and a first gear rotatable by driving the motor. The electronic device may include a second gear in the second housing, engaging the first gear, configured to move the second housing relative to the first housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4645030A1Electronic device comprising flexible display
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4645030A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4645030A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4645030A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device according to an embodiment may comprise: a first housing; a second housing which is movable with respect to the first housing; and a display. The first housing may comprise: a support portion which overlaps a part of the second housing within a plurality of states of the electronic device, including a fist state where a display area of the display, exposed out of the first housing, has the smallest size and a second state where the display area has the largest size; and a stopper which is disposed within the support portion and is paired with a fastening groove. The stopper may be configured to provide the electronic device with a fastened state where at least a part of the stopper is positioned in the fastening groove within the second state and an unfastened state where the stopper is positioned out of the fastening groove.