Flexible Display Wrinkle Prevention via Metal Pull Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible displays in mobile terminals tend to develop wrinkles when folded and unfolded repeatedly, leading to quality deterioration of the image output.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal design that includes a metal member arranged under the folded or unfolded area of the display unit to prevent wrinkles, featuring a flexible frame with magnetic forces and elastic members to maintain a flat state and minimize damage, ensuring smooth deformation without creasing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display is deformed into a folded state, then the mobility and compactness of the mobile terminal are improved, but wrinkles occur on the flexible display causing quality deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovemobilityVSAvoiddisplay quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed to maintain the flat state of the flexible display during the folding process. By providing support bodies that engage with the display before and during folding, the display surface is kept平整 (flat) throughout the deformation process, preventing wrinkles from forming in the first place

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A hinge unit is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the first and second bodies. This hinge provides a controlled rotation interface that manages the stress and deformation of the flexible display during folding, preventing uncontrolled buckling and wrinkle formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display is repeatedly folded and unfolded, then the functionality and adaptability of the mobile terminal are enhanced, but damage accumulates to the folded area reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddisplay durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structures and hinge mechanism are designed to cushion and distribute the mechanical stress during folding and unfolding operations. By providing this protective support beforehand, the concentrated stress that would normally cause damage to the flexible display and internal components is mitigated, extending the device's operational life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display is designed with specific flexibility characteristics that allow it to bend and fold without cracking. The display structure incorporates flexible layers and protective coatings that maintain integrity through repeated deformation cycles, ensuring long-term reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Volume of moving object

If the flexible display is folded to achieve compact form factor, then the portability is improved, but the flat state of the display area over the hinge is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform factorVSAvoiddisplay flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support bodies are designed to dynamically adjust their position and support force based on the folding state. During folding, the support structures move to maintain optimal contact with the flexible display, ensuring the display surface remains flat even as the overall device volume decreases

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 keeps the display area flat over the hinge unit, minimizes damage to the folded area, and enhances image quality by preventing wrinkles, thus maintaining the display's integrity during repeated folding and unfolding.

Implementation Method 1

A mobile terminal design that includes a metal member arranged under the folded or unfolded area of the display unit to prevent wrinkles, featuring a flexible frame with magnetic forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

A mobile terminal design that includes a metal member arranged under the folded or unfolded area of the display unit to prevent wrinkles, featuring a flexible frame with magnetic forces and elastic members

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3525062B1Display of a mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2020.07.01 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3525062B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3525062B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3525062B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

There is disclosed a mobile terminal comprising A mobile terminal comprising: a display unit which is deformable into a first state where the display unit is unfolded and a second state where the display unit is folded; a first body configured to support a first area of the display unit; a second body rotatably coupled to the first body and configured to support a second area of the display unit which is the other area except the first area; and a hinge configured to rotatably coupling the first body and the second body to each other, wherein the display unit comprises a flexible display; and a flexible frame coupled to a rear surface of the flexible display, and a metal member is coupled to the second body to pull the display unit toward the second body, corresponding to at least predetermined area of the second area of the display unit.