Retractable Flexible Display Drive with Torque Boost and Flatness Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current retractable screen technologies face challenges in efficiently expanding or retracting flexible display screens to enhance user experience, particularly in maintaining screen flatness and preventing visual distortions during the process.

Innovation Solution

A driving mechanism comprising a frame body, a driving assembly with a reduction gearbox, and a transmission assembly that includes a lead screw and nut system, which converts a low input torque into a higher output torque to smoothly move the flexible display screen between expanded and retracted states, while maintaining screen flatness through a sliding rail mechanism and elastic pre-tensioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a retractable screen structure is used to expand or reduce display area, then user experience is improved, but screen flatness and visual quality may deteriorate due to bulging or distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidscreen flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible display screen that can be rolled or folded while maintaining its structural integrity. The flexible screen is mounted on a rotating shaft assembly that allows it to be wound or unwound smoothly, preventing bulging and distortion during the retraction or expansion process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a rotating shaft assembly with elastic pre-tensioning that dynamically adjusts the screen's position and tension. The elastic component provides continuous adjustment capability, allowing the screen to maintain optimal flatness whether in retracted or expanded state, and during the transition between states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Force

If a driving mechanism with reduction gearbox is used to move the flexible display screen, then torque is increased to enable smooth movement, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovetorqueVSAvoiddriving mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex multi-stage reduction gearboxes with a more streamlined driving mechanism. The design uses a single-stage reduction approach combined with elastic pre-tensioning, eliminating the need for multiple gear stages while still achieving sufficient torque for smooth screen movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary components from the driving mechanism. By eliminating redundant reduction stages and simplifying the transmission path, the design achieves the required torque with fewer parts, reducing overall complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enables smooth and efficient expansion and retraction of flexible display screens, preventing bulging or distortion, and reducing power loss due to friction, thereby enhancing user experience and product reliability.

Implementation Method 1

the first transmission member is a lead screw, the second transmission member is a nut in threaded fit with the lead screw

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the reduction gearbox structure converting the first torque into a second torque and outputting the second torque to the first transmission member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

a first end of the elastic assembly is connected to the bracket, and a second end of the elastic assembly is connected to the sliding member; when sliding relative to the fixed base along a first direction, the sliding member drives a second end of the elastic assembly and the flexible display screen to move together

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4109206A1Driving mechanism and electronic device
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4109206A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4109206A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4109206A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A driving mechanism (99) and an electronic device are provided. The driving mechanism (99) includes a frame body (30), a driving assembly and a transmission assembly mounted on the frame body (30); the driving assembly including a driving member (31) and a reduction gearbox structure (32) connected together and mounted to the frame body (30); the transmission assembly including a first transmission member (14) mounted to the frame body (30) and connected to the reduction gearbox structure (32), and a second transmission member (15) in transmission connection with a flexible display screen (90). The driving member (31) outputs a first torque to be converted into a second torque, and the second torque is output to the first transmission member (14), to drive the flexible display screen (90) to move, wherein the first torque is less than the second torque.