Flexible Display Haptics via Surface Geometry Alteration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Handheld touch screen devices face challenges with imprecise interaction and limited viewing capacity due to their small size and rigid displays, which hinder portability and utilization of flexible display features, necessitating a solution that enhances interface functionality and adjustability.

Innovation Solution

A touch screen display device with a continuous flexible display that can fold from a compact to an expanded state, incorporating a haptic drive system underneath the display to alter surface geometry and include sensors for configuration and structural support, allowing for enhanced interaction and functionality in both states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the display size is increased to improve viewing capacity and interaction precision, then the device becomes less portable and harder to fold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidportability and foldability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can change its configuration between folded and unfolded states, allowing the same physical device to provide different display areas based on operational needs while maintaining portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display employs flexible display material that can bend and fold, enabling the device to achieve a compact form factor when portability is needed while expanding to a larger display area when viewing and interaction are required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If the display is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the device loses flexibility and portability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay structural stabilityVSAvoidflexibility and foldability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display structure transitions from a static rigid configuration to a dynamic flexible configuration that can adapt its physical state based on operational requirements, maintaining stability during use while enabling flexibility for portability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display utilizes flexible display material that provides sufficient structural integrity for stable operation while maintaining the ability to bend and fold for portability and compact storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Ease of operation

If the device is made compact for portability, then the viewing capacity and interaction precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidviewing capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display dynamically adjusts its effective size by transitioning between folded and unfolded states, allowing the device to provide a compact form for portability while expanding to a larger viewing area when the device is unfolded for use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If the display is made flexible to enable folding, then the structural stability and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity and manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display employs flexible display material that enables folding capability while maintaining sufficient structural integrity, with the flexibility inherent in the material itself rather than complex mechanical structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display can be divided into multiple segments or panels that can be folded independently or together, allowing for manageable structural complexity while maintaining foldability and functional integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11893177B2Flexible display device haptics

Publication Date: 2024.02.06 LEPTON COMPUTING LLC

AI summary

A touch screen display device with a flexible display that also includes an embedded haptic drive system. The device may be made up of one continuous flexible display that does not fold, or of multiple display segments which can be folded from a compact state that is roughly the size of a typical handheld phone or smaller, to an expanded state that is roughly the size of a larger phone or tablet computer. The haptic drive system is located underneath the flexible display and can physically alter its surface geometry by partially flexing the display at single or multiple points. The device may further include sensors to indicate the state of configuration and mechanisms for alignment, locking, and further structural support. In one embodiment, a module attached to, situated within, or otherwise associated with at least one segment of the flexible display may contain all or substantially all processing and memory, along with a communications system, which may be used in any folded state.