Flexible Display Extension Control for Peripheral Interaction Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing size of portable tablet devices to accommodate multiple interfaces limits portability and cost-effectiveness, and the integration of peripheral devices like electronic pens results in ineffective interactions due to limited display space.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display system with rolling actuators that extend in multiple directions based on the mounting state and position of peripheral devices, allowing the display to adapt and provide additional interaction areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display size is increased to accommodate multiple interfaces, then the interaction capabilities are improved, but the portability and cost are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction capabilitiesVSAvoiddisplay size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display size is made dynamic through rolling actuators that can extend and retract the flexible display on demand. The display transitions between a compact state for portability and an extended state for enhanced interaction, allowing the system to adapt its size based on usage requirements rather than being fixed at a large size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display is stored in a nested configuration within the portable terminal body when not in use. The rolling actuators enable the display to be rolled up and stored compactly, similar to a nested doll structure, allowing the large display area to be contained within a small form factor device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display size is increased to provide multiple interfaces, then the peripheral device integration is improved, but the overall device size is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperipheral device integrationVSAvoidoverall device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display volume is made dynamic through the rolling actuator mechanism. When peripheral devices like electronic pens are connected, the display extends to provide adequate interaction space. When peripheral devices are disconnected, the display retracts to minimize device volume, allowing the system to adapt its volume based on peripheral device integration needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the display is extended to accommodate peripheral devices, then the interface availability is improved, but the portability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface availabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display configuration is made dynamic and adaptive. The rolling actuators enable the display to extend when peripheral devices are detected, providing adequate interface availability for tasks involving electronic pens or other peripherals. When these devices are not in use, the display automatically retracts to maintain portability and ease of operation, allowing the system to optimize between interface availability and portability based on real-time conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed large display is used for peripheral device interaction, then the interaction effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction effectivenessVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a permanently large fixed display, the system employs a dynamic display that can extend and retract. This approach maintains interaction effectiveness when needed while avoiding the complexity of permanently integrating a large display structure. The rolling actuator mechanism provides a more compact and adaptable solution compared to a fixed large display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display with rolling actuators serves multiple functions: it provides a compact form factor for portability, extends to large sizes for enhanced interaction with peripheral devices, and can adapt its size based on the specific task at hand. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple fixed-size display configurations, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12468346B2Method for controlling flexible display, and electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

This electronic device may comprise: a flexible display; a first rolling actuator configured to extend the flexible display in a first direction; a second rolling actuator configured to extend the flexible display in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and at least one processor. The at least one processor may be configured to: determine the mounting state of the electronic device; acquire information about the position of a peripheral device, which is linked with the electronic device, based on the mounting state satisfying a designated condition; set the extension direction of the flexible display on the basis of the information about the position of the peripheral device; and control the first rolling actuator and/or the second rolling actuator to extend the flexible display in the first direction and/or the second direction on the basis of the set extension direction.