Flexible Display Module Sliding Mechanism for Screen-to-Body Ratio

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing design of electronic devices limits the screen-to-body ratio due to the need to accommodate additional components like cameras and sensors on the same surface as the display screen, which reduces available space for the display.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display module with integrated first and second display portions that can switch between a retracted and sliding-out state, allowing the first display portion to cover the surface and lateral surface in the retracted state and exposing a hidden region when sliding out, thereby accommodating functional components like cameras and sensors without reducing the screen area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional components such as camera, ambient light sensor and receiver are arranged on the same surface as the display screen, then the functional components can be integrated, but the screen-to-body ratio is reduced due to preempted assembling space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of functional componentsVSAvoidscreen-to-body ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the lateral surface of the electronic device as an additional dimension for arranging functional components. The flexible display module wraps around to cover the lateral surface, creating a three-dimensional display configuration that allows cameras, sensors, and other components to be positioned on the lateral surface rather than competing for space on the front display surface, thereby maintaining a high screen-to-body ratio while achieving component integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display module is designed to wrap around the edges of the device, with the first display portion covering the front surface and extending onto the lateral surface, while the second display portion covers the rear surface. This nested configuration allows functional components to be embedded within the lateral surface region occupied by the wrapped display module, enabling space-efficient integration without compromising the display area

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If the flexible display module covers all three surfaces to maximize screen-to-body ratio, then the display coverage is increased, but the space for arranging functional components is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay coverage areaVSAvoidavailable space for functional components
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the display module into three distinct portions: the first display portion covering the front surface, the second display portion covering the rear surface, and a lateral display portion wrapping around the edges. This segmentation creates distinct functional zones, with the lateral surface portion specifically designated for housing functional components while the front and rear portions provide maximum display coverage, thus resolving the conflict between display area and component space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Length of stationary object

If the moving body is pressed against the main body to maintain a compact structure, then the device thickness is reduced, but the flexibility of the display module is constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidflexibility of display module
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic mechanism where the moving body can transition between a first position (pressed against the main body for compactness) and a second position (retracted to allow display module expansion). The flexible display module is designed with sufficient flexibility to wrap around the lateral surface when the moving body is in the first position, and can be smoothly deployed when the moving body transitions to the second position, thus maintaining both compact form factor and display flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3731501B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3731501B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3731501B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3731501B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an electronic device, including a body and a flexible display module. The body includes a first surface and second surface that are opposite to each other, and a lateral surface adjacent to the first surface and the second surface. The flexible display module includes a first display portion and a second display portion that are integrated. The flexible display module is switchable between a retracted state and a sliding-out state. When the flexible display module is in the retracted state, the first display portion covers the first surface and the lateral surface, and the second display portion covers the second surface. When the flexible display module is switched from the retracted state to the sliding-out state, the first display portion slides in a direction where a free end thereof gets close to the lateral surface to expose a hidden region of the first surface.