Foldable Device Roller Mechanism for Flexible Display Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in covering the entire surface area due to differences in surface areas between the foldable device and the flexible display, and the flexible display's curvature is not consistently maintained when folded or unfolded.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design featuring a flexible display element that covers the connection part and is supported by two bodies, with rollers and elastic members to manage curvature and ensure the display covers the entire area when folded or unfolded, using interlocking gears and sensors to determine and adjust the display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a flexible display element is applied to cover the entire surface area of a foldable device, then the display coverage is improved, but the curvature consistency deteriorates due to surface area differences between the device and display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a roller mechanism that dynamically adjusts the flexible display element's position and curvature. The roller rotates to accommodate the display element during folding and unfolding, allowing the display to maintain proper tension and curvature consistency while covering the entire surface area including the connection part between first and second bodies.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller acts as an intermediary component between the flexible display element and the foldable device bodies. It mediates the curvature differences by providing a rotational interface that absorbs the surface area mismatch, enabling the display to cover the connection part while maintaining consistent curvature through its rotational adjustment capability.
2Area of stationary object
If the flexible display element is folded to cover the connection part, then the display area is increased, but the structural complexity increases due to additional components needed to maintain curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the flexible nature of the display element itself as the primary solution, allowing it to conform to the folded structure and cover the connection part. This flexible film approach avoids the need for complex rigid support structures, maintaining simplicity while achieving increased display area through the element's inherent flexibility and the roller's rotational capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a roller mechanism is added to maintain display curvature, then the curvature consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it maintains display element curvature consistency, accommodates the surface area difference between the device and display, enables folding and unfolding motion, and positions the display element to cover the connection part. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by consolidating several requirements into a single mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device including: a first body; a second body; a connection part configured to connect the first body to the second body so that the first body and the second body are rotatable to a first state in which the first and second bodies are unfolded and to a second state in which the first and second bodies overlap each other; a flexible display element that passes over the connection part and is supported by the first and second bodies; and a roller that is rotatably installed at an end of the first body and connected to an end of the flexible display element, wherein the flexible display element is located at an outer circumference of the first body, the second body, and the connection part in the second state, and wherein a part of the flexible display element is rolled around the roller in the first state.