Flexible Display Expansion Control Under External Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with flexible displays face issues when switching from a reduced state to an expanded state due to resistance from external objects, leading to motor overload or repeated state changes, which degrades usability.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device includes a flexible display with a first and second area, a motor module, and a processor that identifies characteristic values related to the motor module and external forces when switching states, controlling the motor to adjust the exposed display area based on these factors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the electronic device forcibly switches from the first state to the second state regardless of resistance intensity, then the display area expansion is achieved, but the motor may be overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidmotor overload

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors resistance during state transition and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust motor operation. When resistance exceeds a threshold, the processor intervenes to prevent motor overload, creating a closed-loop control system that balances display expansion with motor protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, forced state change to a dynamic, adaptive process. The motor operation is continuously adjusted based on real-time resistance conditions, allowing the system to optimize between achieving display expansion and preventing motor damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the electronic device returns from the second state to the first state in the course of switching regardless of resistance intensity, then the system avoids motor overload, but the electronic device may repeatedly switch states or repeatedly request input, thereby degrading usability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor overload preventionVSAvoidusability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of completely preventing state transition when resistance is detected, the system allows partial expansion to an intermediate state where the display area is partially increased but not fully expanded. This partial action satisfies the user's intent to expand the display while avoiding the conditions that would cause repeated switching

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediate state between the first and second states, serving as a mediator that resolves the conflict between motor protection and usability. This intermediate state allows the transition to proceed without forcing a complete return to the initial state, thereby preventing repeated switching cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of moving object

If the electronic device switches from the first state to the second state regardless of resistance intensity, then the display area expansion is achieved, but the motor may be overloaded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidresistance from external object

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors resistance force during state transition and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust motor operation. When resistance exceeds a threshold, the processor intervenes to prevent motor overload, creating a closed-loop control system that balances display expansion with motor protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12244749B2Method for controlling flexible display and electronic device supporting the same

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprising a flexible display includes a first area and a second area extending from the first area, a motor module configured to move at least a part of the second area according to a driving state in the first state and the second state, and a processor electrically connected to the flexible display and the motor module. The processor identifies a characteristic value related to the motor module when being changed from the first state to the second state and controls the motor module such that an area exposed to the outside of the electronic device among the second area is changed based on the identified characteristic value.