Flexible Display Memory Fabric Rigid-Flex Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile computing devices have a rigid structure, making them inconvenient to carry or store, as they cannot be easily bent, rolled, or folded like traditional books or magazines.
Innovation Solution
A mobile computing device with a flexible display, a rigid-flex printed circuit board arrangement, and an electrically conductive memory fabric that can be controlled to either resist or allow flexing by supplying or withholding electrical current, allowing the device to switch between rigid and flexible states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid structure is used for mobile computing devices, then structural strength and stability are improved, but ease of carriage and storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic structural system where the mobile computing device can transition between rigid and flexible states. A shape memory alloy (SMA) component is integrated into the device structure, allowing it to change its physical state based on temperature or electrical stimulation. This enables the device to be rigid during use for structural strength and flexible during storage for ease of carriage, directly resolving the contradiction between structural strength and ease of carriage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the shape memory alloy material to control the device's structural properties. By changing the temperature or applying electrical current to the SMA, the device's rigidity can be adjusted. This parameter-based control allows the structure to adapt between rigid and flexible states, solving the contradiction between maintaining structural strength and enabling easy storage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid structure is used for mobile computing devices, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability for different storage modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic structure that can adapt between multiple states. The shape memory alloy component enables the device to transition between rigid and flexible configurations, providing structural stability during use and adaptability for various storage modes (bending, rolling, folding) when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and storage adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device structure that can serve both as a stable platform for computation and as a flexible form for storage. The SMA-integrated structure provides universal functionality by supporting both rigid operational mode and flexible storage mode, eliminating the need for separate rigid and flexible device versions.
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
Enables users to hold the device rigidly for interaction or bend, roll, or fold it for easy storage by controlling the electrical current to the memory fabric, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
an electrically conductive memory fabric that can be controlled to either resist or allow flexing by supplying or withholding electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile computing device includes a flexible display, a rigid-flex printed circuit board (PCB) arrangement, an electrically conductive memory fabric, and a controller. The rigid-flex PCB arrangement is connected to the flexible display, and has a honeycomb configuration. The electrically conductive memory fabric is connected to the flexible display and the rigid-flex PCB arrangement. The controller is configured to, by selectively controlling supply of electrical current to the electrically conductive memory fabric, control whether the electrically conductive memory fabric (i) straightens and resists flexing of the flexible display and the rigid-flex PCB arrangement or (ii) is relaxed and allows flexing of the flexible display and the rigid-flex PCB arrangement.