Retractable Flexible Display with Bistable Support Slats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid planar substrates in electronic devices make them bulky, limiting the size of displays and the viewing area, as reducing device size compromises display size for portability.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display system with elongated housings and rotatable rollers, supported by bistable slats that maintain rigidity when deployed and flexibility when retracted, allowing the display to wrap around the roller for storage, along with a light-blocking and heat-spreading layer, touch sensors, and dust removal mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid planar substrates are used for displays, then structural stability is improved, but device bulk increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display substrate transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can change its state between deployed (flat) and retracted (rolled) configurations. This allows the display to maintain structural integrity when needed while minimizing device volume during storage or portability modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional rigid planar substrates with flexible display substrates and support structures that can bend and roll. The flexible substrate includes multiple layers (substrate layer, reflective layer, diffuse reflector layer) that maintain structural stability when deployed but can be compacted when retracted, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and bulk.
2Volume of moving object
If display size is reduced to decrease device bulk, then portability is improved, but viewing area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display area dynamically changes between a compact rolled state for portability and a fully deployed flat state for maximum viewing area. The flexible substrate and support structures enable the display to expand to its full size when needed while maintaining a small profile during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure nests within itself when retracted, with the flexible substrate rolling around a roller and support structures folding or compressing into a compact configuration. This nesting mechanism allows the large viewing area to be contained within a small device volume when not in use.
3Volume of moving object
If flexible display substrates are used, then device bulk is reduced, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display substrate is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers including a substrate layer, reflective layer, and diffuse reflector layer. Each layer contributes specific properties that collectively provide both flexibility for compact storage and structural stability when deployed. The support structures also use composite designs combining rigid and flexible elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible support structures and substrates engineered to maintain structural integrity in the deployed state while enabling compact folding or rolling. The flexible substrate includes reinforced edges and integrated support elements that prevent deformation during use while allowing bending during retraction.
4Volume of moving object
If the display is made retractable, then device portability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable display mechanism uses dynamic components including rotatable rollers, movable support structures, and flexible connections that allow the display to transition between deployed and retracted states. These dynamic elements are integrated into the housing structure to minimize overall device complexity while enabling portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, contains the retractable display mechanism, and integrates the roller and support structure components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the added retractability feature.
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
Enables a compact, portable electronic device with a large viewing area by allowing the flexible display to retract into the housing, maintaining functionality while reducing bulk, and incorporating dust protection and thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may rotate the roller when it is desired to retract the display
Implementation Method 2
The flexible display may be provided with a light blocking and heat spreading layer
Implementation Method 3
The flexible display may be provided with a light blocking and heat spreading layer
Implementation Method 4
The housings and support slats may be held together using magnets when the display is retracted
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may have a pair of elongated housings. A flexible display may be placed in a first position in which the display is retracted within one of the housings and a second position in which the flexible display is deployed and extends between the housings in a planar shape for viewing by a user. Support structures such as rigid slats that run parallel to the housings and bistable slats that run perpendicular to the rigid slats may be used to support the flexible display. Speakers, microphones, cameras, and other components can be mounted in the housings. The housings may be held together using magnets and may contain electrical components such as integrated circuits, batteries, and other devices. The components may be mounted on printed circuit boards that rotate within a rotating roller around which the display is wrapped when retracted.