Flexible Display Device Using Magnetic Aligning Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing screen size of smartphones compromises portability, leading to user dissatisfaction, as larger screens result in degradation of flexibility and visibility due to flexural deformation at the central folded portion, especially when used over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display device with a foldable design, featuring a flexible display panel supported by frames and couplers, including magnetic and electrostatic couplers, that minimize flexural deformation by allowing partial detachment and alignment, thereby reducing stress on the central curved area during folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the screen size of the smartphone is increased, then the viewing area and display quality are improved, but the portability and flexibility of the device deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is divided into multiple segments that can be folded relative to each other. The flexible display panel is divided into first and second regions separated by a folding line, allowing each segment to be independently positioned and reducing the overall footprint when folded, thus improving portability while maintaining large screen area.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static flat state to a dynamic folded state. The flexible display panel can change its configuration between unfolded and folded positions, allowing the device to adapt between providing maximum screen area and maximum portability depending on usage conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible display panel is folded, then the portability is improved, but flexural deformation occurs at the central folded portion leading to degradation of visibility
Solution Approach 1:
A support frame is pre-installed at the folded portion of the flexible display panel to provide structural support before folding occurs. This preliminary structural reinforcement prevents excessive flexural deformation and maintains display flatness during the folded state, reducing visibility degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame is specifically positioned only at the folded portion where flexural deformation occurs, rather than across the entire display panel. This localized structural reinforcement addresses the specific problem area while maintaining the flexibility and foldability of the rest of the display.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the flexible display panel is folded repeatedly over extended periods, then the device remains portable and usable, but defects occur in the curved portion reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame acts as a protective structure that cushions and distributes the mechanical stress during repeated folding operations. By providing this preliminary protective structure at the folded portion, the device can withstand extended usage and repeated folding cycles without developing defects in the curved portion.
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 effectively reduces flexural deformation by up to 40 μm, enhancing the visibility and durability of the screen, while maintaining portability by allowing the device to be used in both flat and folded states without significant stress on the central portion.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic and electrostatic couplers, that minimize flexural deformation by allowing partial detachment and alignment
Implementation Method 2
magnetic and electrostatic couplers, that minimize flexural deformation
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible display device includes a flexible display module including a flexible display panel; a first frame and a second frame supporting the flexible display module; and a fixing coupler and an aligning coupler coupling the flexible display module with the first frame and the second frame, and the fixing coupler includes: a first fixing coupler fixing at least a portion of the first frame and at least a portion of the flexible display module; and a second fixing coupler fixing at least a portion of the second frame and at least a portion of the flexible display module, and the aligning coupler includes: a first aligning coupler fixed to another portion of the flexible display module; and a second aligning coupler fixed to another portion of the first frame and detachably coupled to the first aligning coupler.