Magnetic Gliding Mechanism for Foldable Display Bezel Thickness Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display panels in foldable electronic devices face issues with increased bezel thickness and abrasion due to sliding tracks, and unpredictable bending locations during gliding movements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a carrying main body with electromagnets and a flexible display panel with magnets, allowing magnetic attraction and controlled magnetic pole changes to enable smooth unfolding and closing without sliding tracks, thus reducing bezel thickness and preventing abrasion, while maintaining consistent bending locations through controlled gliding strokes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sliding track is disposed at the bezel for the flexible display panel to glide, then the flexible display panel can complete gliding movement, but the thickness of the bezel increases and the side margins of the flexible display panel are abraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegliding movementVSAvoidbezel thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical sliding track system with a magnetic field-based control system. Electromagnets disposed on the bezel interact with magnets on the flexible display panel to generate magnetic attraction forces that control gliding movement, eliminating the need for physical contact tracks and thereby preventing abrasion while reducing bezel thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the bezel and the flexible display panel. The electromagnets create magnetic fields that interact with the magnets on the panel, enabling contactless control of gliding movement and avoiding direct mechanical contact that would cause wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a sliding track is disposed at the bezel for the flexible display panel to glide, then the flexible display panel can complete gliding movement, but the side margins of the flexible display panel are abraded at the sliding track

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegliding movementVSAvoiddurability of flexible display panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical sliding track system with a magnetic field-based control system. Electromagnets disposed on the bezel interact with magnets on the flexible display panel to generate magnetic attraction forces that control gliding movement, eliminating the need for physical contact tracks and thereby preventing abrasion while reducing bezel thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of mechanical contact and friction into a benefit by using magnetic attraction forces. The magnetic interaction enables smooth gliding movement without physical contact, transforming the problem of abrasion into a contactless control mechanism that enhances durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If the flexible display panel glides freely along the gliding track, then the gliding movement is smooth, but the location where the flexible display panel bends is prone to change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegliding movementVSAvoidbending location

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where sensors detect the position of the flexible display panel during gliding movement. The control system processes this position information and adjusts the magnetic attraction forces from the electromagnets accordingly, enabling precise control of the bending location and preventing unintended changes in bend position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control of magnetic attraction forces to manage the gliding movement. By dynamically adjusting the strength and distribution of magnetic fields from multiple electromagnets, the system can control the position and timing of bends, ensuring stable bending locations while maintaining smooth movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 thinner bezels, prevents abrasion of the flexible display panel, and maintains consistent bending locations by using magnetic attraction and repulsion to control the gliding motion, enhancing the operational stability and durability of foldable devices.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic poles of the electromagnets are adapted to change and drive the at least one magnet and the flexible display panel to move relatively to the carrying main body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction and repulsion: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11206741B2Display

Publication Date: 2021.12.21 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

The disclosure provides a display including a carrying main body, a flexible display panel, at least one magnet, and a plurality of electromagnets. The flexible display panel is disposed on the carrying main body and is adapted to unfold on the carrying main body. The at least one magnet is disposed on the flexible display panel. The electromagnets are disposed on the carrying main body. Magnetic poles of the electromagnets are adapted to change and drive the at least one magnet and the flexible display panel to move relatively to the carrying main body.