Foldable Display Actuation Using Shape Memory Alloy Wires
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing information handling system display monitors with mechanisms for adjusting between curved and flat configurations often result in oversized housings and disruptions to exterior illumination, such as backlighting, due to the complexity of these mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The use of shaped memory alloy wires that change length in response to heat to actuate a foldable display film between flat and curved configurations, minimizing footprint and power consumption, and integrating a latch for tension release to return to the pre-actuation configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gear mechanism with sliding members and arms is used to transition the display panel between flat and curved configurations, then the display configuration can be adjusted, but the housing becomes oversized and exterior illumination is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical gear mechanism with a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire-based actuation system. The SMA wires directly transform electrical energy to mechanical motion through thermal expansion, eliminating the need for gears, sliding members, and multiple mechanical arms. This substitution dramatically reduces the housing volume required while maintaining the display configuration adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of shape memory alloy wires, which change their physical parameters (length and shape) in response to temperature changes. By applying electrical current to heat the SMA wires, they expand and contract to drive the display panel between flat and curved configurations, enabling compact actuation without complex mechanical systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gear mechanism with sliding members and arms is used to transition the display panel between flat and curved configurations, then the display configuration can be adjusted, but exterior illumination and backlighting are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical gear mechanism with a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire-based actuation system. The SMA wires directly transform electrical energy to mechanical motion through thermal expansion, eliminating the need for gears, sliding members, and multiple mechanical arms. This substitution dramatically reduces the housing volume required while maintaining the display configuration adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces shape memory alloy wires as intermediary elements that directly couple the actuation system to the display panel. These SMA wires serve as the mediating mechanism between electrical input and mechanical motion, eliminating the need for complex intermediate mechanical components that would interfere with exterior illumination and backlighting systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable display film is used to enable curved and flat configurations, then display adaptability is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical gear mechanism with a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire-based actuation system. The SMA wires directly transform electrical energy to mechanical motion through thermal expansion, eliminating the need for gears, sliding members, and multiple mechanical arms. This substitution dramatically reduces the housing volume required while maintaining the display configuration adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex intermediate mechanical components (gears, sliding members, arms) from the actuation system, retaining only the essential functional elements: shape memory alloy wires, display panel, and housing. This extraction simplifies the overall mechanism while preserving the core functionality of transitioning between flat and curved configurations.
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
This solution allows for a compact and efficient transition between display configurations, optimizing the viewing experience for different scenarios while maintaining minimal impact on housing size and illumination systems.
Implementation Method 1
The use of shaped memory alloy wires that change length in response to heat to actuate a foldable display film between flat and curved configurations
Implementation Method 2
A shaped memory alloy wire is heated to transition from a first to a second length, and the change in wire length is translated to movement of a foldable display film between flat and curved configurations
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system display monitor transitions between flat and curved configurations by actuation of a shaped memory alloy wire within the display monitor housing. For example, a nickel titanium wire is heated by application of current across the wire to transition its crystalline form, thereby shortening the wire to adjust the configuration of a foldable display film, such as an OLED display film. Separate shaped memory alloy wires may be used to achieve foldable display film movement in each direction, or actuation of a shaped memory alloy wire in one direction may generate bias in a spring in the opposite direction that is released when a change in foldable display film configuration is desired.