Flexible Display Roller Support Pipes Prevent Sagging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices, particularly those using flexible OLED panels, face challenges in maintaining structural rigidity to prevent sagging and torsion, which can lead to deformation and reduced durability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a display device design that includes a flexible OLED panel wound or unwound from a long roller, supported by a system of long pipes and frames that provide structural rigidity, with specific configurations of pipes and frames arranged to enhance torsional and deflection rigidity, such as the use of first and second pipes adjacent to the roller and a guide roller system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display panel is used to enable bending and rolling, then adaptability and compact storage are improved, but structural rigidity deteriorates causing sagging and torsion

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a support structure comprising first and second pipes as intermediary elements between the flexible display panel and the rolling mechanism. These pipes provide mechanical support to prevent sagging and torsion of the flexible panel during operation, while still allowing the panel to be wound and unwound on the roller for compact storage and deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the display panel is wound on a roller for compact storage, then ease of operation and storage are improved, but structural stability deteriorates due to repeated winding and unwinding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible support structure with pipes that can accommodate the repeated bending and deformation associated with winding and unwinding operations. The support structure maintains its integrity through these cyclic operations, preventing damage to the display panel and ensuring long-term reliability while enabling easy storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If support structures are added to prevent sagging and torsion, then structural rigidity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple components including first pipes, second pipes, and connection elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while collectively providing the necessary structural support. The modular design simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining structural rigidity to prevent sagging and torsion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12254792B2Display device

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a display device. The display device of the present disclosure includes: a flexible display panel; a roller which extends long, and on which the display panel is wound or from which the display panel is unwound; a first pipe which extends long in a length direction of the roller, and is located adjacent to the roller; and a second pipe which extends long in a length direction of the roller, and is located adjacent to the roller, and faces the first pipe with respect to the roller.