Flexible Mobile Terminal Shape Transformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals lack the ability to automatically change shape in response to preset conditions, which limits user convenience and does not effectively prevent damage or enhance usability.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal with a body having at least one predetermined flexible portion, a display, and an actuator that transforms the shape of the body when a preset condition is satisfied, controlled by a controller to enhance user convenience and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile terminal uses a fixed rigid shape, then structural stability is maintained, but user convenience and adaptability to different conditions are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape adaptabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal body is designed with flexible portions that enable dynamic shape transformation between first and second shapes based on preset conditions. The actuator system allows the terminal to transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic adaptable structure, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and shape adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameter of the terminal body (shape) is changed from a fixed state to a variable state through the flexible portion and actuator mechanism. This allows the terminal to alter its geometric configuration in response to different conditions, achieving adaptability while maintaining structural integrity through controlled parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If the mobile terminal automatically transforms shape using an actuator, then user convenience and damage prevention are enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic shape transformationVSAvoidactuator system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator system is divided into multiple independent actuators (first actuator, second actuator) that can operate separately or cooperatively. Each actuator is responsible for specific shape transformation tasks, reducing the complexity of controlling a single complex actuator system and enabling modular maintenance and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal automatically triggers shape transformation based on preset conditions without requiring manual user input. The controller monitors conditions and activates the actuator system autonomously, reducing the operational burden on users while managing the complexity of the automatic control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the mobile terminal remains in a single shape, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but functionality and usability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile terminal is designed to perform multiple functions through shape transformation. The same terminal body can adapt to different usage scenarios (preventing drops, notifying users, conserving battery) by changing shape, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the overall manufacturing ecosystem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile terminal incorporates flexible portions in its body structure that allow it to bend and transform shape. This use of flexible materials enables functional versatility while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through established flexible material processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 mobile terminal can automatically change shape to prevent drops, notify users of messages, conserve battery life, and improve portability, thereby enhancing user convenience and reducing damage.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator provided in the body to transform a shape of the body from an original shape to a transformed shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2698683B1Mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2019.04.03 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2698683B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2698683B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2698683B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A mobile terminal is provided. The mobile terminal includes a body having at least one predetermined flexible portion, a display provided in the body to output image information, an actuator provided in the body to transform a shape of the body from an original shape to a transformed shape and a controller configured to control the actuator to transform the shape of the body when a preset condition is satisfied.