Rack Gear Mechanism for Flexible Display Flatness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current information handling systems lack flexible and adaptable display solutions that can accommodate multiple orientations and configurations, limiting their ability to support flexible substrates and maintain a flat display screen during various usage positions.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a rack gear component with a flexible substrate and gear components that securely mount to hinged display platforms, allowing the flexible substrate and display screen to adjust positions and maintain flatness across different orientations by using a combination of rigid supports and flexible materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display screen is used to enable multiple orientations and configurations, then adaptability is improved, but the display screen may lift or bow and lose flatness in certain positions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay flexibilityVSAvoiddisplay flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible substrate as the base layer that can bend and conform to different display platform configurations, enabling the display to adapt to multiple orientations while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure combining a flexible substrate with rigid support elements. This composite design allows the display to maintain flatness and stability in various positions while preserving the flexibility needed for multiple configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If the flexible substrate is securely mounted to hinged display platforms, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to adjust positions smoothly is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidposition adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic mounting system where the flexible substrate is secured to hinged display platforms with the ability to move and adjust. This allows the structure to transition smoothly between different positions while maintaining stability in each configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If rigid supports are used to prevent lifting of the flexible substrate, then structural strength is improved, but the flexibility and adaptability of the display is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesubstrate support strengthVSAvoiddisplay flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies rigid support elements at specific locations where needed to prevent lifting or bowing of the flexible substrate, while leaving other areas flexible to maintain overall adaptability. This localized reinforcement allows the display to gain strength where necessary without sacrificing flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10317934B2Gearing solution for an external flexible substrate on a multi-use product

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 DELL PROD LP

AI summary

An information handling system a flexible display screen, first and second display platforms, and a rack gear component. The flexible display screen is movably mounted to the first and second display platforms. The rack gear component is mounted between the first and second display platforms, and controls support of the flexible display screen.