Flexible Electronic Device with Segmented Case Frame

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wearable electronic devices with straps become cumbersome and unsightly when not in use, lacking convenience and aesthetics both when worn and unworn.

Innovation Solution

A fully flexible electronic device design featuring a flexible case frame, substrate, and battery pack, allowing the device to bend and maintain curvature without external straps, using unit case frames that can move relative to each other and flexible electrical couplers for component integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a strap is coupled to the electronic device to enable wearable use, then the device can be secured to the human body, but the strap becomes cumbersome and unsightly when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearable securing capabilityVSAvoidconvenience when not worn

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the separate strap component from the electronic device. Instead of having a dedicated strap structure, the device itself is made flexible and can be directly wrapped around body parts, eliminating the need for an external strap that would be cumbersome when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the strap function with the device body by making the entire device flexible. The case frame, substrate, and other components are integrated into a flexible structure that directly provides the wearing capability without requiring a separate strap attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If the electronic device is made flexible to eliminate the need for a strap, then convenience and aesthetics are improved, but the device must maintain structural integrity and functionality when bent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience when not wornVSAvoidstructural integrity in bent state

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible materials throughout the device structure, including a flexible case frame made of elastomeric material, flexible substrates for circuit boards, and flexible battery packs. These flexible components maintain structural integrity while allowing the device to bend and conform to body shapes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamically flexible structure where the case frame includes movable joints between unit case frames, allowing the device to adapt its shape. The flexible components can dynamically adjust to bending stresses while maintaining functionality, transitioning between rigid and flexible states as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If unit case frames are made movable relative to each other to enable flexibility, then the device can bend and conform, but the mechanical connection and stability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending capabilityVSAvoidmechanical connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The case frame is divided into multiple unit case frames that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the structure to bend and conform while maintaining stability through the cumulative effect of multiple connected segments, each contributing to the overall flexibility and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The unit case frames are designed with curved surfaces and rounded corners that facilitate smooth bending. The curvature allows the segments to articulate naturally when bent, maintaining mechanical connection stability while enabling the device to conform to various body shapes and sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Enables convenient and aesthetic usability by allowing the device to be worn or attached without a strap, maintaining flexibility and usability in both states, with components like the substrate and battery pack flexing to accommodate curvature.

Implementation Method 1

a damping member between the display and the case frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration damping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a flexible battery pack disposed in the inner space of the case frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexible battery energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP2843912B1Flexible electronic device

Publication Date: 2020.10.14 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

A flexible electronic device is disclosed, including: a case frame, comprising a plurality of unit case frames space at regular intervals, engaged to move relative to one another, a substrate, disposed in an inner space defined by an interior of the case frame, and electrically coupling a plurality of unit substrates that are spaced at regular intervals using a flexible electrical coupler, a battery pack, disposed in the inner space, including a plurality of unit battery cells at regular intervals using a flexible electrical connection means, the unit battery cells configured to move relative to one another, and a flexible display, coupled to the case frame and positioned so that a display surface of the flexible display is exposed.