Foldable Flexible Display for Adaptive UI/UX

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible devices with fixed display regions limit user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) functionality, restricting the expansion of UI/UX environments.

Innovation Solution

A flexible device design featuring a front and rear body with folding portions, allowing the flexible display to be divided into multiple regions, including a curved UI region, enabling adjustable aspect ratios and mode switching through magnetic and mechanical connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display region is fixed in size and position, then the device structure is simple, but the UI/UX functionality is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUI/UX functionalityVSAvoiddisplay structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible display is divided into multiple independent display regions (first display region, second display region, third display region) that can be independently controlled and configured. This segmentation allows different UI/UX functions to be assigned to different regions, expanding functionality while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display structure incorporates folding portions that enable dynamic reconfiguration of display regions. The display can transition between unfolded and folded states, allowing the UI/UX environment to adapt to different usage scenarios. This dynamic capability expands functionality without permanently increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display is folded into multiple regions, then the UI/UX environment is expanded, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay region configurationVSAvoidfolding mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible display structure that can be folded and bent without rigid mechanical components. This flexible film approach simplifies the folding mechanism compared to traditional rigid hinge structures, reducing overall device complexity while enabling multiple display region configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The folding structure serves multiple functions: it creates distinct display regions, enables mode switching between different UI configurations, and allows the device to adapt to various usage scenarios. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic and mechanical connections are used for mode switching, then the device is more adaptable, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemode switching capabilityVSAvoidconnection alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical connection systems with magnetic connections for mode switching. Magnetic connections eliminate the need for precise mechanical alignment and physical contact points, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining adaptability and mode switching capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary between structural components, enabling mode switching without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary approach allows for tolerant alignment while achieving reliable connection and adaptability in the device configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3107270B1Electronic device with foldable display areas
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3107270B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3107270B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3107270B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device (30) that includes a flexible display (31) is provided. The electronic device (30) includes a foldable display unit, a foldable functional device portion, and a connecting body (50, 52) that interconnects the display unit and the functional device portion. The display unit and the functional device portion are disposed to face each other so as to provide a first state, and after each of the display unit and the functional device portion is folded, at least a portion of the display unit is disposed in the rear side region to be utilized as a display region and at least a portion of the functional device portion is disposed in the front side region so as to provide a second state of being used as a region of the functional device portion.