Flexible Display Frame With Varying Hole Densities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flexible display units with folding structures face issues such as breakage due to uneven curvature, inability to restore to a flat state, and lack of impact absorption, primarily due to the limitations of stainless steel frames and non-optimal material properties.

Innovation Solution

A flexible frame with varying hole densities and shapes across different sections allows for adjustable curvature and repulsive force, using titanium for improved yield strain and incorporating silicon for impact absorption, enabling smooth connection of adjacent portions with different curvatures and reliable restoration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flexible frame made of stainless steel is used, then the frame provides structural support, but the frame cannot absorb impact and restore the flexible display to a flat state due to insufficient yield strain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestoration capabilityVSAvoidyield strain
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter (yield strain) by replacing stainless steel with titanium alloy, which has higher yield strain (0.06375 vs 0.006375), enabling the frame to absorb impact and restore the flexible display to a flat state through elastic deformation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the flexible frame is formed of metal material, then the frame provides structural support, but the frame cannot absorb impact, causing damage to the flexible display

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact absorptionVSAvoidimpact resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure combining titanium alloy frame with silicone rubber cushioning layer, where the silicone rubber absorbs impact energy through viscoelastic deformation, protecting the flexible display from damage while maintaining structural support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If two adjacent portions of the flexible frame have different curvatures, then the frame can accommodate folding structures, but breakage occurs at the boundary due to curvature change

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding compatibilityVSAvoidboundary strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different hole densities to different regions of the flexible frame, with higher hole density in high-curvature areas and lower hole density in low-curvature areas, creating local quality variations that accommodate different curvatures while maintaining boundary strength and preventing breakage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Shape

If the total area of holes per unit area is increased in a flexible portion, then the flexible portion can bend at larger curvature, but the repulsive force decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum curvatureVSAvoidrepulsive force
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates local quality differences by varying hole density in different flexible portions, allowing the first flexible portion to bend at larger curvature (higher hole density) while the second flexible portion maintains stronger repulsive force (lower hole density), enabling differentiated bending characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 allows for flexible display units to bend at different curvatures without breakage, restore to a flat state, and absorb impacts, enhancing the reliability and functionality of flexible display units in portable devices.

Implementation Method 1

a flexible frame configured to be elastically deformable between a flat state and a bent state at a maximum curvature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

capable of restoring the flexible display to a flat state even when the bending and restoration of the flexible display are repeated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3704686B1Flexible display unit comprising a flexible display and a flexible frame
Publication Date: 2022.03.30 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3704686B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3704686B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3704686B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A flexible frame for an electronic device is disclosed, the frame including a flexible portion located between a first rigid portion and a second rigid portion and configured to permit the frame to be bent, wherein the flexible portion includes a first region including a first plurality of holes having a first size, and a second region including a second plurality of holes having a second size, wherein the first size is greater than the second size, the first region is positioned closer to a center axis of the flexible frame than the second region, and an area of the first plurality of holes within a portion of the first region having a particular area is greater than an area of the second plurality of holes within a portion of the second region having the same particular area.