Flexible Display Rotary Contact Structure for Sliding Connectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic devices with flexible displays face issues with maintaining electrical contact due to deformation or spatial constraints, particularly when using FPCBs, c-clips, or pogo pins during sliding operations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a rotary contact structure that maintains electrical contact through a rotating part, a conductive member, and a support part, allowing the flexible display to change shapes while ensuring continuous connectivity with the printed circuit board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If FPCB, c-clip, or pogo pin is used to maintain contact during flexible display movement, then electrical contact is maintained, but the contact structure deforms due to friction or cannot be applied due to spatial constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact maintenanceVSAvoidfriction deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a rotary contact structure as an intermediary between the flexible display and the housing. This rotary contact structure includes a rotating part that rotates along with the flexible display movement, a conductive member that maintains electrical contact, and a support part that provides structural support. The rotary contact structure acts as a mediator that eliminates direct friction between the flexible display and housing, thereby preventing deformation while maintaining reliable electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If FPCB, c-clip, or pogo pin is used to maintain contact during flexible display movement, then electrical contact is maintained, but spatial constraints prevent application in rollable electronic devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact maintenanceVSAvoidspatial constraint compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic rotary contact structure that can rotate to accommodate the flexible display's movement. The rotating part rotates along with the flexible display, while the conductive member and support part maintain electrical connectivity. This dynamic design allows the contact structure to adapt to spatial constraints in rollable electronic devices, enabling seamless operation during display expansion and retraction without being limited by fixed spatial arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If conventional contact structures are used during sliding operations, then electrical contact is maintained, but the contact region deforms or breaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical contact continuityVSAvoidcontact region durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the contact structure into distinct functional components: a rotating part that moves with the flexible display, a conductive member that maintains electrical contact, and a support part that provides structural strength. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the rotating part handles movement, the conductive member ensures electrical continuity, and the support part prevents deformation and breakage, thereby enhancing overall durability while maintaining contact reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 rotary contact structure prevents deformation and ensures continuous electrical contact during sliding operations, enhancing the flexibility and functionality of electronic devices with moveable flexible displays.

Implementation Method 1

the contact structure may be deformed due to friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4196864B1Electronic device including flexible display
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4196864B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4196864B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4196864B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a flexible display, a first housing moving to correspond to change in a shape of the flexible display and including a contact region, a second housing sliding in a direction opposite to a direction in which the first housing moves of the first housing and to mount the flexible display, a rotary contact structure making contact with the contact region, and a printed circuit board (PCB) electrically connected with the at least one rotary contact structure. The at least one rotary contact structure includes a rotating part maintaining contact with the contact region while rotating in a process of changing a shape of the flexible display, a central part, a conductive member, and a support part.