Flexible Screen Supporting Structure for Flat Appearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of functional modules into flexible screens in terminal devices can lead to an uneven appearance, compromising both the structural integrity and user experience due to potential collapse and noticeable touch changes.

Innovation Solution

A supporting structure for flexible screens, comprising a first supporting module with bendability and hardness, and a second elastic module that forms a deformation protrusion when an external force is applied, allowing the screen to maintain a flat appearance and enable functional module activation without user perception of deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If functional modules are added into the screen, then the functionality of the terminal device is improved, but the appearance uniformity of the screen deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidappearance uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

A supporting structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible screen and the functional module. This supporting structure includes a first supporting module and a second supporting module that work together to maintain screen flatness while allowing the functional module to be integrated, thus resolving the conflict between functionality and appearance uniformity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting structure extends into the spatial dimension by creating a stepped configuration with different height levels. The first supporting module and second supporting module are positioned at different heights, forming a three-dimensional structure that accommodates the functional module while maintaining the visual flatness of the screen surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If a supporting structure is added to maintain screen flatness, then the appearance uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen flatnessVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first supporting module and second supporting module are integrated into a unified supporting structure that is closely associated with the flexible screen assembly. This merging approach reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining screen flatness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the second supporting module forms a deformation protrusion under external force, then the functional module activation is enabled, but the touch sensation uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional module activationVSAvoidtouch sensation uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The second supporting module is designed with elastic properties, behaving like a flexible component that can deform under external force. This elastic deformation allows the module to respond to user input for functional activation while the first supporting module maintains the overall flat appearance, minimizing the impact on touch sensation uniformity

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 supporting structure ensures a flat and stable flexible screen appearance, reduces the likelihood of collapse, and enhances user experience by allowing functional module activation without noticeable touch changes, improving the overall performance and usability of terminal devices.

Implementation Method 1

a second elastic module that forms a deformation protrusion when an external force is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3770723B1Supporting structure for flexible screen, flexible screen structure and terminal device
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3770723B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3770723B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3770723B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A supporting structure for a flexible screen, a flexible screen structure and a terminal device are provided. A supporting structure (30) includes: a first supporting module (31) located below the flexible screen (20) and used for supporting the flexible screen (20), which has a first opening; and a second supporting module (32), which is located at a position corresponding to the first opening, when an external force acts through the flexible screen (20), the second supporting module (32) forms a deformation protrusion towards a direction away from the flexible screen (20); and when the external force is removed, the deformation of the second supporting module (32) is removed. Supporting the flexible screen (20) corresponding to the first opening by the second supporting module (32) can reduce a probability that the flexible screen (20) collapses at the position of the first opening, thereby making appearance of the flexible screen (20) flat.