Flexible Display Panel Shape Memory Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional notebook computers with curved display panels face issues of non-uniform gaps when closed, allowing foreign substances to enter and compromising aesthetics and portability due to the arc-shaped back cover, which increases size and makes them inconvenient to carry.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display panel driven by a shape memory component that changes shape between flat and curved forms based on temperature, allowing the device to be tightly closed when not in use and converting to a curved display when in use, utilizing a shape memory alloy and heat-conducting elements to facilitate this transformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a curved display panel is used in the upper body of the notebook computer, then the display panel can provide curved display functionality, but a non-uniform gap is formed between the curved display panel and the operating surface when the upper body is closed on the lower body

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurved display functionalityVSAvoidtight closure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is designed to be dynamically changeable between flat and curved shapes. A shape memory component is integrated into the upper body to enable the display panel to transition between these shapes based on temperature changes, allowing the panel to adapt its curvature state rather than being fixed in one configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes temperature as a control parameter to change the shape of the display panel. When the temperature reaches a certain threshold, the shape memory component triggers the display panel to change from flat to curved shape, enabling flexible adaptation to different operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If the back cover of the upper body is formed in an arc-shape to match the curved display panel, then the appearance is enhanced, but the overall size of the notebook computer increases and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc-shaped back coverVSAvoidoverall size
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The back cover is designed to be dynamically changeable between flat and curved shapes through integration with the shape memory component. When the display panel is in flat state, the back cover maintains a flat configuration, minimizing the overall device size and improving portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The back cover's shape is controlled by temperature changes that trigger the shape memory component. At lower temperatures, the back cover remains flat, reducing the device footprint. When temperature increases, the back cover can transform to match the curved display panel state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If the flexible display panel is in a curved shape when not in use, then the aesthetic quality is improved, but the upper body cannot be tightly combined with the lower body and foreign substance can easily enter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurved display panelVSAvoidforeign substance entry
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel dynamically changes its shape based on operational state. When the device is closed and not in use, the display panel returns to its flat shape, ensuring tight closure and preventing foreign substance entry. When the device is activated, the panel transforms to curved shape for optimal display functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shape memory component is pre-configured to automatically return the display panel to its flat state when the device is closed, proactively preventing foreign substance entry before it can occur. This preliminary action ensures the sealing integrity is maintained during storage and transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 ensures a tight closure to prevent damage and maintain aesthetics when not in use, while providing a visually enhanced curved display when in use, with reduced size and energy efficiency by utilizing waste heat for shape change, thus improving usability and heat dissipation.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible display panel is driven by the shape memory component, and the flexible display panel can be moved between the first position and the second position. When the temperature of the electronic device is lower than the default temperature, the electronic device is formed as the first shape; when the temperature of the electronic device is higher than the default temperature, the electronic device is formed as the second shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory alloy: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a shape memory alloy and heat-conducting elements to facilitate this transformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3480675B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 ACER INC
  • EP3480675B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3480675B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3480675B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An electronic device includes a flexible display panel and a shape memory component. The flexible display panel is driven by the shape memory component, herein when a temperature of the shape memory component is lower than a default temperature range, the shape memory component forms as a first shape, so that the flexible display panel is capable of being located at a first position. When the temperature of the shape memory component is higher than the default temperature range, the shape memory component forms as a second shape, so that the flexible display panel is driven to be moved to a second position.