Flexible Display Sliding Rails With Self-Lubricating Friction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices that deform as two bodies slide relative to each other experience significant friction and potential damage due to unequal forces applied by a user, leading to operational issues and potential scratching or plastic deformation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of lubricating surfaces, such as self-lubricating engineering plastic rails, that face each other perpendicular to the external force direction, increasing the surface area of contact and minimizing external exposure, while maintaining the device's shape and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two bodies slide relative to each other to deform the flexible display, then the display area can be changed, but friction increases significantly causing operational issues and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
A lubricating surface is introduced as an intermediary between the first and second bodies that slide relative to each other. This lubricating surface reduces friction during the sliding motion, enabling smooth deformation of the flexible display from a first state to a second state without operational issues or damage to the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the contact surface is changed by applying a lubricating coating that modifies the friction characteristics. This parameter change allows the sliding bodies to move relative to each other with reduced friction, enabling the flexible display to deform smoothly while maintaining operational reliability.
2Ease of operation
If user applies gripping force on both sides of the moving body, then the device can be held securely, but friction and unequal forces damage the flexible display
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating surface acts as a mediator between the user's gripping force and the flexible display. When the user applies force on both sides of the moving body for secure handling, the lubricating surface distributes these forces evenly, preventing unequal forces that would otherwise cause damage to the flexible display.
Solution Approach 2:
The lubricating surface provides beforehand cushioning by reducing friction before the user applies gripping force. This pre-established low-friction interface ensures that when the user grips the device on both sides, the forces are transmitted smoothly without causing immediate friction-related damage to the flexible display.
3Volume of moving object
If the flexible display is kept in a deformed state for a long time, then the device can maintain a compact form, but plastic deformation and springback occur
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricating surface provides beforehand cushioning that reduces friction during the deformation process. This allows the flexible display to be folded or bent into a compact form without excessive friction that would cause plastic deformation. The reduced friction enables the display to maintain its intended shape even when kept in a deformed state for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the friction parameter through the lubricating surface, the display can be deformed into compact configurations without the harmful effects of high friction. This parameter change allows the flexible material to bend and hold its deformed shape stably, preventing unwanted springback or plastic deformation that would occur with dry sliding contact.
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
Significantly reduces friction between sliding bodies, stabilizes the flexible display's shape, and prevents damage by evenly distributing the user's grip force, ensuring smooth operation and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a lubricating surface, which reduces friction occurring between the first body and the second body when the flexible display is deformed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A flexible display device is disclosed. The flexible display device comprises a first body, a second body, a flexible display and lubricating rails. The lubricating rails are formed from self-lubricating engineering plastic, and are provided as a pair. When the first body and the second body move relative to each other, surfaces of the lubricating rails may notably reduce friction at a contacting portion where the relative movement between the first body and the second body occurs.