Flexible Display Hinge Electromagnet for Warp Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible displays in mobile computing devices experience deformation when transitioning between folded and unfolded configurations, which can interfere with the viewing experience due to creases, wrinkles, or warps, and existing methods are insufficient to completely remove these deformations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an electromagnetic mechanism within the hinge mechanism that generates a magnetic field to attract a magnetic element on the flexible display, reducing the deformation by applying a force that counteracts the stress-induced distortions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display is folded and unfolded to enable mechanical reconfiguration, then the device can switch between smartphone and tablet configurations, but deformation occurs in the flexible display

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoiddisplay flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces purely mechanical deformation management with an electromagnetic system. An electromagnet integrated into the hinge mechanism generates a magnetic field that acts on a magnetic element attached to the flexible display, providing active control over the display's shape during folding and unfolding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the flexible display by applying magnetic force. The electromagnet adjusts the magnetic field strength to counteract deformation forces, dynamically modifying the display's shape parameters during configuration transitions to maintain flatness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If an electromagnetic mechanism is added to remove deformation, then the display flatness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay flatnessVSAvoidhinge mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electromagnet with the existing hinge mechanism, integrating the deformation removal function into the structural component that already moves during folding. The magnetic element is attached directly to the flexible display, combining multiple functions (support, folding, and deformation control) into a unified system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: providing the mechanical connection for folding, supporting the flexible display, and generating the magnetic field for deformation removal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Shape

If the electromagnet is activated to remove deformation, then the display flatness is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay flatnessVSAvoidelectromagnet energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnet is activated periodically only during configuration transitions (folding and unfolding) when deformation occurs, rather than operating continuously. This timing strategy applies magnetic force precisely when needed to counteract deformation forces, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining display flatness during critical moments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The electromagnet applies magnetic force in advance to counteract deformation forces before they fully manifest. By activating the electromagnet during the transition process, the system preemptively counteracts the stress-induced distortions, preventing deformation rather than correcting it after the fact, which reduces the energy required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-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 electromagnetic mechanism effectively reduces or eliminates deformations in the flexible display when unfolded, ensuring a smooth, flat surface for optimal viewing, while conserving energy by deactivating during the folded configuration.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnet in the hinge mechanism may be activated to produce a magnetic field. The magnetic field attracts a magnetic element disposed on a back surface of the flexible display to remove the deformation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3750026B1Flexible display with electromagnetic adjustment

Publication Date: 2024.01.03 GOOGLE LLC

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AI summary

A flexible display that can be adjusted by an electromagnetic mechanism to remove a deformation is disclosed. The flexible display is attached to a body that is configurable in a folded configuration or an unfolded configuration by a hinge mechanism. When unfolded the flexible display includes a deformation (i.e., warp) in an area around the hinge mechanism. Accordingly, an electromagnet is included with the hinge mechanism to remove the deformation by attracting a magnetic element is disposed on a back surface of the flexible display.