Mobile Terminal Elastic Drive for Motorless Flexible Display Extension

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals with flexible displays face challenges in providing a stable support structure for variable displays without the use of motors, which can be bulky and noisy.

Innovation Solution

A drive unit comprising a driving elastic part with one end fixed to a first frame and the other end fixed to a second frame, a stopper to fix the elastic part in a compressed state, and a guide pole to facilitate movement, allowing the second frame to slide and extend without a motor, enhancing durability and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a motor is used to drive the extension mechanism, then the driving force is sufficient, but the device becomes bulky and noisy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving forceVSAvoidbulkiness
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with an elastic part-based mechanical system. The elastic part (spring) provides the driving force through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for a motor and its associated bulkiness and noise. The elastic part is configured to elastically deform to generate the force needed for extending and retracting the second frame.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic part serves dual functions: it provides the driving force for extension and also acts as the structural connection element between frames. The system uses the elastic deformation of the material itself to provide the driving force, rather than requiring an external power source like a motor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Force

If a motor is used to drive the extension mechanism, then the driving force is sufficient, but the device generates noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving forceVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven mechanical system with an elastic part-based mechanical system. The elastic part (spring) provides the driving force through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for a motor and its associated bulkiness and noise. The elastic part is configured to elastically deform to generate the force needed for extending and retracting the second frame.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If the second frame is fixed to the first frame, then the structure is stable, but the display cannot be extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidextension capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed connection between frames into a dynamic, movable connection. The second frame is configured to move relative to the first frame along a guide pole, allowing the structure to transition between extended and retracted states while maintaining stability during operation. The guide pole ensures constrained movement along a specific path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the frame structure into separable components (first frame and second frame) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the display to be extended by moving the second frame away from the first frame, while the guide pole and elastic part maintain structural integrity during the movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Area of moving object

If the display is extended, then the screen size increases, but the support structure becomes less stable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen sizeVSAvoidsupport structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the fixed connection between frames into a dynamic, movable connection. The second frame is configured to move relative to the first frame along a guide pole, allowing the structure to transition between extended and retracted states while maintaining stability during operation. The guide pole ensures constrained movement along a specific path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a curved deceleration part on the guide pole that interacts with the elastic part. This curved surface provides a gradual deceleration effect as the second frame extends, reducing impact and maintaining stability. The elastic part wraps around this curved surface, creating a smooth transition and damping effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 provides a stable and durable mechanism for extending the display without a motor, improving the flexibility and reducing noise and bulkiness, while allowing seamless operation of the flexible display unit.

Implementation Method 1

a driving elastic part having one end fixed to the first frame and an opposite end fixed to the second frame, the driving elastic part being configured to provide tension force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4096201B1Mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4096201B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4096201B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4096201B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Disclosed is a mobile terminal including a first frame, a second frame, a drive unit configured to move the second frame in a first direction, where the drive unit includes a driving elastic part having one end fixed to the first frame and an opposite end fixed to the second frame, the driving elastic part being configured to provide tension force, and a stopper configured to fix the driving elastic part in a compressed state. As the drive unit configured to provide driving force for extension of a frame without a motor is provided, the mounting space required for the drive unit may be reduced and the frame may be moved at a faster speed than when a motor is used. Therefore, usability may be improved.