Graphical Interface Components for Flexible Display Smartphone Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld computing devices face challenges in physical interaction and limited display size, which can make tasks like text input and viewing graphic-intensive applications cumbersome and imprecise.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable touch screen computing device with flexible segments that can transform from a compact state to an expanded state, featuring a graphical user interface that facilitates content transition and includes a folding configuration with optimized expansion ratio, sensors, and a flexible circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a flexible display is used to increase display size, then viewing capacity is improved, but the display cannot achieve a completely flat and compact position due to its radius when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into multiple rigid segments (first display segment, second display segment, third display segment, fourth display segment) connected by hinges, allowing each segment to be folded independently to achieve a completely flat compact configuration while maintaining large display area when deployed
2Area of stationary object
If a flexible display is used to transform from compact to expanded state, then display size is improved, but additional support structures and alignment locking mechanisms increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it connects display segments, provides folding capability, enables alignment between segments, and acts as a support structure. The alignment locking mechanism is integrated into the hinge assembly, combining alignment and locking functions in a single component rather than separate elements
3Area of stationary object
If a flexible display is used to increase expansion ratio, then viewing capacity is improved, but the folding configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into four separate rigid segments that can be folded independently, allowing the display to achieve a large expanded area when deployed while maintaining a compact form when folded. Each segment is connected by hinges that enable controlled folding movements
Solution Approach 2:
The display transitions from a two-dimensional flat configuration when deployed to a three-dimensional folded configuration when compact. The segments can be rotated and positioned in different spatial arrangements, utilizing the third dimension to achieve both large display area and compact form factor
Data Source
AI summary
Reconfigurable touch screen computing devices with folding configurations that include flexible displays made up of segments reconfigured from a folded state to an expanded state are described. The form factor of the folded state is the size of a handheld phone (including an integrated speaker and microphone). The form factor of the expanded state is the size of a tablet computer. Both states provide a configuration including a touch screen display on a front side and a protective housing on a back side. The computing devices include sensors indicating the state and mechanisms for folding, alignment, and structural support, and magnets for the devices to be locked in the folded or unfolded state. A module attached to at least one segment may contain substantially all processing and memory, and a communications system, all which may be used in either state.