Flexible Display Size Control via Surface Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an efficient method to change the size of a display on electronic apparatuses, such as mobile terminals, while maintaining portability and usability, as larger screens compromise portability and existing methods are not easily or efficiently controllable.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus with a flexible display and a controller that identifies inputs on multiple surfaces to adjust the exposed display size, allowing for easy and efficient size changes based on user inputs, such as touch or grip gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a display providing a larger screen is used, then the display area is improved, but the portability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display size is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The flexible display can be rolled up or unfolded to change its exposed area, allowing the device to adapt between large screen mode and compact portable mode based on user needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display is designed to be rolled up into itself, with the rolled portion stored within or alongside the device body. This nesting approach allows the large display area to be compacted into a small form factor when not in use, resolving the contradiction between display size and portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display is used to change size, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay size variabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display uses a flexible substrate that can be rolled and unrolled without damage. This flexible film technology enables size adjustment through simple mechanical rolling motion rather than complex mechanical assemblies, maintaining relatively low device complexity while achieving high adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The display size adjustment is achieved through user-initiated rolling motion where the user themselves performs the folding/rolling action. This self-service approach eliminates the need for motors, actuators, or automated control mechanisms, keeping the device structure simple while providing versatile size adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11106245B2Electronic apparatus for controlling size of display and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Provided is an electronic apparatus including a flexible display disposed such that a size of the display exposed on a first surface of the electronic apparatus is changed, and a controller configured to identify a first input that is input to at least one of the first surface and the second surface and control the size of the display exposed on the first surface based on the first input.