Flexible Display Roller Mechanism for Uniform Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display devices that change size by sliding two bodies relative to each other face challenges in fully spreading or bending due to plastic deformation and springback, limiting their usability and stability.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display device design featuring a body with sliding components, a roller, and support bars that engage protrusions, allowing the flexible display to change shape and area by rotating the roller, which moves in sync with the sliding components, maintaining a stable U-shape and preventing unintended bending or curving.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the flexible display is bent into a U-shape for storage, then the device size is reduced, but the display cannot be fully spread out due to plastic deformation and springback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoiddisplay spreading completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple support bars that can independently engage with protrusions on the roller, allowing each segment to provide localized support and prevent plastic deformation in specific areas of the display

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support bars are positioned to engage with the roller protrusions before the display is fully bent or unfolded, preemptively preventing plastic deformation and springback effects that would otherwise occur during the deformation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Volume of moving object

If the flexible display is stored bent for long periods, then compactness is achieved, but the display deformation becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage compactnessVSAvoiddisplay deformation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support bars provide preemptive cushioning support at critical bending points, preventing cumulative damage and instability that would occur during prolonged storage in a bent state

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

Solution Approach 2:

The roller acts as an intermediary component between the support bars and the flexible display, mediating the mechanical interaction and enabling stable engagement during both storage and operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sliding components are used to change device size, then adaptability is improved, but unintended bending and curving occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice size adjustabilityVSAvoiddisplay shape stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support bars provide localized quality control at specific points along the display, ensuring that only the necessary portions are supported during sliding operations while maintaining overall shape stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where support bars can engage and disengage from roller protrusions based on the operational state, adapting to provide support only when and where needed

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

Enables the flexible display to change size effectively while maintaining stability and preventing unintended deformation, enhancing its usability and operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a roller (400) that rotates about a rotational shaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

springback, and/or elasticity of the flexible display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

plastic deformation occurring in a part of the flexible display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3907580B1Flexible display device
Publication Date: 2022.11.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3907580B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3907580B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3907580B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A flexible display device is disclosed. The flexible display device includes a first body, a second body, a roller, and a flexible display. The flexible display includes a first region forming a plane surface and a second region of which a portion forms a curved surface around the roller. A plurality of engagement protrusions are formed on an outer circumferential surface of the roller, and a plurality of support bars are coupled to an inner surface of the second region. The engagement protrusions engage the support bars. When the second body moves relative to the first body, the roller rotates with the engagement protrusions engaging the support bars, and the second region is uniformly deformed and moves.