Flexible Sidewall Displays for Reconfigurable Device Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic devices with rigid displays lack the ability to integrate flexible display technology for improved input-output components, limiting the versatility and functionality of user interfaces.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a flexible display with bendable edges that can be mounted on multiple surfaces of an electronic device, using a transparent cover layer and opaque masking to create virtual user interface controls, allowing repurposing of buttons and switches based on user input gestures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid display structures are used in conventional electronic devices, then structural stability and protection of internal components are improved, but the ability to integrate flexible display technology for improved input-output components is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent flexible display portions that can be selectively activated. The display includes a front surface portion and sidewall surface portion that can operate independently or together, allowing the device to maintain structural stability while providing versatile input-output capabilities through selective use of different display segments
Solution Approach 2:
The display extends from the traditional two-dimensional front surface into the third dimension by wrapping around sidewalls. This dimensional transition allows the display to provide both structural stability on the main surface and enhanced input-output versatility on the sidewalls, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability
2Ease of operation
If physical buttons and switches are mounted on device edges, then tactile input functionality is provided, but device complexity and the number of separate components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure is merged with the input-output interface by making the display itself touch-sensitive and capable of functioning as buttons and switches. This integration eliminates separate physical buttons and switches, providing tactile input functionality through the display while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The display serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides visual output, tactile input through touch sensitivity, and replaces traditional physical buttons and switches. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible display technology is integrated into electronic devices, then input-output component versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display is segmented into distinct functional portions (front surface display and sidewall display) that can be manufactured and positioned independently. This segmentation allows for specialized manufacturing processes for each portion while maintaining overall input-output versatility, reducing the complexity of manufacturing the entire flexible display system at once
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic devices may be provided that contain flexible displays that are bent to form displays on multiple surfaces of the devices. Bent flexible displays may be bent to form front side displays and edge displays. Edge displays may be separated from front side displays or from other edge displays using patterned housing members, printed or painted masks, or by selectively activating and inactivating display pixels associated with the flexible display. Edge displays may alternately function as virtual buttons, virtual switches, or informational displays that are supplemental to front side displays. Virtual buttons may include transparent button members, lenses, haptic feedback components, audio feedback components, or other components for providing feedback to a user when virtual buttons are activated.