Flexible Display Movable Input Portion Compact Form Factor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld electronic devices with non-flexible displays are limited in design due to fixed physical dimensions, making it difficult to accommodate larger display or user interface areas without altering the device's exterior dimensions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible display and a movable input portion that can change positions relative to the housing, allowing the flexible display area to be rearranged and the user interface area to be accessed without altering the device's overall dimensions, using mechanisms such as sliding, rotating, or pivoting movements guided by tracks and retainer arrangements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a non-flexible display with fixed physical dimensions is used, then the device structure is simple and stable, but the display area and user interface area cannot be enlarged without altering the device's exterior dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the display flexible and enabling it to move between different positions (retracted and extended states). The flexible display can be positioned at different locations on the housing, allowing the display area to be effectively enlarged without changing the device's exterior dimensions, as the display can extend beyond the housing boundaries when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes another dimension by allowing the flexible display to move in and out of recesses within the housing. This creates a third dimension of movement (in/out of the housing body) that enables the display area to be expanded without increasing the device's footprint when the display is retracted, effectively using depth as an additional spatial dimension.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display is made flexible and movable, then the display area can be rearranged and enlarged, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the housing into distinct sections including recesses that accommodate the flexible display in its retracted position. This segmentation allows the display to be isolated in specific areas, simplifying the overall mechanism by providing dedicated spaces for movement and positioning without requiring complex integration throughout the entire device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by incorporating recesses within the housing that serve as intermediate positions for the flexible display. These recesses act as mediators that guide and constrain the display's movement, simplifying the mechanism by providing predetermined paths and positions rather than requiring free-form movement control.
3Area of stationary object
If covers are used to cover and uncover display or user interface areas, then larger areas can be accessed, but the physical dimensions of the device must change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the flexible display within recesses of the housing. When retracted, the display is nested inside the housing structure, maintaining a compact form factor. When extended, the display emerges from the housing, providing access to a larger display area without permanently increasing the device's exterior dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld electronic device includes a housing, a flexible display associated with the housing, and an input portion linked to the flexible display. The input portion is movable relative to the housing between a first position and a second position. The flexible display has a first viewing area when the input portion is in the first position and a second viewing area when the input portion is in the second position. The second viewing area is smaller than the first viewing area.