Magnetic Roller Flexible Display Stress Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display units in mobile terminals face durability issues due to restricted bending points and potential damage from external impacts, as well as challenges in maintaining a flat state during size adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal design featuring a first and second frame with a magnetic roller and rolling plate system, allowing the flexible display to be supported and adjusted in size while distributing stress evenly, preventing concentration at specific points and maintaining a flat state through magnetic forces and a low-friction layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display unit is bent at a specific position to enable size adjustment, then the display can be extended and retracted, but the durability of the flexible display unit deteriorates due to stress concentration at the bending point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddurability of flexible display unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible display unit is divided into multiple regions: a first region coupled to the first frame, a second region coupled to the slide frame, and a third region disposed between them that can be bent to surround the magnetic roller. This segmentation allows different parts of the display to serve different functions, with the third region specifically designed for bending while the first and second regions maintain structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic roller with alternating polarities is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second frames. The magnetic roller interacts with a rolling plate attached to the rear surface of the flexible display, providing magnetic force to control the bending and unfolding of the third region. This intermediary mechanism distributes stress along the magnetic roller's length rather than concentrating it at a single point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of moving object

If the flexible display unit is extended to increase screen size, then the display area is enlarged, but the flat state of the display unit becomes difficult to maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen sizeVSAvoidflat state maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static display structure to a dynamic one where the second frame can slide relative to the first frame along guide rails. This allows the display area to be dynamically adjusted by extending or retracting the second frame, while the guide rails ensure the display maintains a flat state during movement through controlled motion paths

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic roller replaces traditional mechanical bending mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic force acts on the rolling plate to control the bending of the third region, eliminating the need for mechanical hinges or joints that would compromise the flat state of the display when extended

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display unit is bent to enable size adjustment, then the display can be compacted, but the display unit becomes vulnerable to external impacts on the bent side

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecompactabilityVSAvoidvulnerability to external impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic roller is positioned to surround the bent third region of the flexible display unit, creating a protective structure before any external impact occurs. The cylindrical shape of the magnetic roller distributes impact forces evenly across the bent display area, preventing concentrated damage that would occur with traditional folding mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

The solution enables adjustable screen size, reduces damage from stress concentration, and maintains the display unit's flat state during movement, enhancing durability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic roller coupled to one side of the second frame to be rotatable about a rotation axis extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction... the magnetic roller provides magnetic force such that the rolling plate is attached to an outer circumferential surface of the magnetic roller

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10893130B1Mobile terminal

Publication Date: 2021.01.12 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a mobile terminal including a first frame, a second frame slideably movable from the first frame in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, a slide frame movable in the first or second direction with respect to the second frame, a magnetic roller rotatably coupled to one side of the second frame, a flexible display including a first region coupled to the first frame, a second region coupled to the slide frame, and a third region disposed between the first and second regions and bent around the magnetic roller, and a rolling plate attached to the flexible display. The magnetic roller provides magnetic force to cause the rolling plate to be attached to the magnetic roller. The mobile terminal may maintain the display in a flat state during movement of the second frame by preventing the display from being separated.