Foldable Display Modules With Magnetic Coupling for Easy Installation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display apparatuses for large format displays are not easily foldable and require complex installation, making them inconvenient for use in various settings such as households and public places.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display apparatus comprising multiple display modules arranged vertically, connected by hinges and magnetically coupled guides that allow easy switching between a folded and unfolded state, with a controller managing the magnetic attachments and power supply to facilitate seamless transitions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If display modules are connected using traditional mechanical fastening methods, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the folding and unfolding operations become complex and difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding and unfolding easeVSAvoidconnection mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets are embedded in the coupling guides, which automatically attract and hold display modules together through magnetic force during unfolding, and allow easy separation during folding. This eliminates complex mechanical fasteners while maintaining secure connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling guides with embedded magnets perform self-alignment and self-locking functions. When display modules are brought together during unfolding, the magnetic force automatically guides them into proper alignment and secures them without requiring manual intervention or complex locking mechanisms. The system serves itself through the inherent properties of the magnetic coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If multiple display modules are connected with complex coupling mechanisms, then the connection reliability is high, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical fastening operations with instantaneous magnetic coupling. During installation, display modules are simply brought near each other and the magnetic force in the coupling guides automatically secures them, reducing installation time from minutes per connection to seconds while maintaining reliable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnets are pre-installed within the coupling guides during manufacturing, so that when display modules are installed, the magnetic coupling mechanism is already prepared and ready to engage immediately. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site assembly of complex fastening mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If display modules are kept in a compact folded state, then the space requirement is minimized, but the usable screen area is not available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirement when foldedVSAvoidusable screen area
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic display system where the display modules can transition between folded and unfolded states. The magnetic coupling guides enable smooth, controlled transitions that allow the display to adapt its configuration based on usage requirements, transforming from a compact storage state to a full-screen operational state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display system is divided into multiple independent display modules that can be individually controlled and positioned. This segmentation allows the display to be folded into compact segments for space efficiency, and unfolded into a large continuous screen when full display area is needed, with each module maintaining its own coupling guide for independent operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enables a display that harmonizes with surroundings when folded, is easy to install, and can form a large screen when unfolded, allowing dynamic size and shape adjustments based on content and user preferences.

Implementation Method 1

the magnet of at least one of the pair of coupling guides comprises an electromagnet, and the display apparatus further comprises a controller configured to control the electromagnet to be driven to attach the pair of coupling guides to each other when switching from the first state to the second state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

the magnet of at least one of the pair of coupling guides comprises an electromagnet, and the display apparatus further comprises a controller configured to control the electromagnet to be driven to detach the pair of coupling guides when switching from the second state to the first state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP3825989B1Display apparatus and method of controlling the same
Publication Date: 2023.03.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3825989B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3825989B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3825989B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are a display apparatus and a method of controlling the same, the display apparatus including: a plurality of display modules arranged in up and down directions, and configured to switch between a first state, the first state being a folded state and a second state, the second state being an unfolded state; a plurality of joining units each comprising a hinge provided between the plurality of display modules and configured to join adjacent display modules; a driver including a wire supporting the plurality of display modules, and configured to drive the plurality of display modules to switch to the first state or the second state by adjusting a length of the wire; and a pair of coupling guides provided on lateral sides of the plurality of display modules and configured to guide adjacent display modules to switch between the first state and the second state.