Flexible Screen Support Structure Using Electro-Rheological Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current support structures for flexible display screens in mobile terminals either fail to reduce volume effectively when folded or lack adequate support when expanded, as they are either folding-based and inefficient in volume reduction or rolling-based and inadequate in supporting the screen when expanded.
Innovation Solution
A support structure comprising a first flexible board with electromagnets and an electro-rheological fluid-filled gap between the first and second flexible boards, where the electromagnets are secured to the first board and have angled surfaces that magnetically attach when the fluid becomes liquid, allowing the structure to roll up tightly and support the screen when expanded by becoming solid under voltage application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a folding support structure is used, then the flexible display screen is conveniently supported when expanded, but it is not easy to reduce the volume after folding
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a static folding mechanism to a dynamic rolling mechanism that can adapt its configuration. The flexible board with electromagnets enables the structure to dynamically change between extended (for support) and rolled (for compact storage) states, resolving the contradiction between support capability and volume reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnets change their magnetic properties based on electrical activation, enabling the support structure to transition between different functional states. When activated, the electromagnets provide magnetic attraction for support; when deactivated, they allow compact rolling, thus changing the physical parameters of the system to resolve the contradiction.
2Volume of moving object
If a rolling support structure is used, then the flexible display screen can be rolled up with volume shrinkage, but there is no support structure, which is not conducive to supporting the flexible display screen after being expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible board with electromagnet array serves multiple functions: it provides structural support when expanded, enables compact rolling when contracted, and offers magnetic attachment capability. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making a single structure capable of both volume reduction and providing support.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical folding support is replaced with an electromagnet-based system. The magnetic force generated by the electromagnets substitutes for mechanical interlocking mechanisms, enabling both compact rolling and effective support without the complexity of traditional folding structures.
3Shape
If electromagnets are tightly attached to the first flexible board, then the structure can roll up tightly, but the electro-rheological fluid flow channel may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnets are designed with specific geometric features (tapered shape with angled side surfaces) that create localized conditions for both tight rolling and fluid flow. The angled side surfaces (42) provide gaps that maintain fluid channels while the overall tight arrangement enables compact rolling, resolving the contradiction through local geometric optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnets are designed with asymmetric geometry, particularly the tapered shape and angled side surfaces, rather than symmetric cylindrical forms. This asymmetric design allows the electromagnets to pack tightly for rolling while maintaining gaps along the angled surfaces that permit electro-rheological fluid flow, resolving the contradiction between rolling tightness and fluid flow.
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
Facilitates both effective volume reduction and support of the flexible display screen when expanded, enhancing user experience by allowing seamless rolling and expansion of the screen.
Implementation Method 1
a gap (11) between the second flexible board (20) and the first flexible board (10), which is filled with an electro-rheological fluid (12)
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of electromagnets (40) secured to the first flexible board (10) and located in the gap (11)
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible screen support structure (100) includes: a first flexible board (10) configured to be attached to a flexible display screen (1); a second flexible board (20) arranged opposite to the first flexible board (10), a gap (11) being defined between the first flexible board (10) and the second flexible board (20) and filled with an electro-rheological fluid (12); a side board (30) enclosing outer peripheral sides of the first flexible board (10) and the second flexible board (20) and sealing the gap (11); a plurality of electromagnets (40) secured to the first flexible board (10) and located in the gap (11), each electromagnet (40) has a support surface (41) attached to the first flexible board (10) and a side surface (42) at an acute angle to the support surface (41), and the side surfaces (42) of adjacent electromagnets (40) are attached to each other by a magnetic force to cause the first flexible board (10) to roll up. The flexible screen support structure (100) supports the flexible display screen (1) when the flexible display screen (1) is expanded, and the flexible screen support structure (100) facilitates the tight rolling and collapse of the flexible display screen (1) when the flexible display screen (1) is rolled up, thereby improving user experience.