Pneumatic Support Structure for Flat Rollable Flexible Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible display devices face challenges in providing sufficient structural support while maintaining a compact, portable form factor, as mechanical support structures are bulky and limit portability, and mechanical hinges cause uneven surfaces and material degradation over time.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic support structure with inflatable and deflatable layers, combined with an exoskeleton structure and retractable arms with hinge joints, provides flexible and even support, allowing the display to roll up and unfold without damaging the display layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical support structures (guiding rails, stacked rods, chain support members) are used to support the flexible display device, then the display can maintain an even and level surface when unfolded, but the support structure becomes heavy, occupies large space, and reduces portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic support members (inflatable air cushions) instead of traditional mechanical rigid support structures. These pneumatic members can be inflated to provide the necessary support force to keep the flexible display even and level when unfolded, and deflated to reduce volume for portable storage, thereby resolving the contradiction between stability and portability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure's key parameter (volume/weight) is made changeable through inflation and deflation of the pneumatic members. When inflated, they provide sufficient support force for display stability; when deflated, they minimize space occupation for portability, allowing dynamic adjustment between contradictory requirements
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical support structures are used to support the flexible display device, then the display can maintain an even and level surface when unfolded, but the support structure occupies large space and reduces portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inflatable pneumatic support members that can be deflated to minimal volume when the display is folded or stored, eliminating the need for large rigid support structures. When inflated during use, they expand to provide the necessary support volume for maintaining an even display surface
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static rigid mechanical structure to a dynamic pneumatic system that can adjust its volume and support characteristics. The pneumatic members can be inflated or deflated as needed, allowing the display to be portable when folded and stable when unfolded
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical hinges are used for folding, then the display can be folded to be compact, but the bending portion develops deformation and damage over repeated folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible pneumatic support members and flexible display panels that can bend and fold without rigid mechanical hinges. The pneumatic members can be deflated to reduce bending resistance, allowing repeated folding without deformation or damage to the display components
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support structures are used to maintain display stability, then the display remains even and level, but the device cannot be rolled up for easy storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inflatable pneumatic support members that can be deflated to allow the flexible display to be rolled up or folded for compact storage. When inflated during use, they provide the necessary support to maintain an even and level display surface, enabling both rollable capability and display stability
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 pneumatic support structure maintains a flat, even display surface and supports touch sensitivity, enabling a flexible display that can roll up for portability and unfold to various sizes without material degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the base structure comprises a pneumatic structure, wherein the pneumatic structure comprises one or more pneumatic layers; wherein the base structure is inflatable and deflatable
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, it is an apparatus, comprising a display comprising a display layer and a base structure, wherein the base structure is configured to support the display layer; the base structure comprising one or more layers, wherein the one or more layers comprise a first amorphous layer and a second pneumatic layer; and wherein the display is configured to be rolled and unrolled as a scroll; and wherein the apparatus is an electronic display device.