Rollable Display Edge Support Structure to Prevent Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible electronic devices with rollable displays experience lifting at the ends of the display due to frequent slide-in and slide-out motions, which can compromise the structural integrity and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a support bar and plate structures within the housing to stabilize the edge of the flexible display, along with a display support sheet and adhesive components to prevent lifting during sliding operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid structure is used to maintain device integrity, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and conformability to curved surfaces deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple rigid or semi-rigid segments that can flex relative to each other through hinges or flexible connectors. This segmentation allows the overall structure to bend and conform to curved surfaces while each individual segment maintains its structural integrity and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device employs composite material structures combining rigid components (for strength and integrity) with flexible components (for adaptability and conformability). This composite approach enables the device to simultaneously achieve structural strength and flexibility, allowing it to maintain integrity while conforming to curved surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the device is made flexible to conform to curved surfaces, then adaptability is improved, but structural integrity and protection of internal components deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconformabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the device into modular sections connected by flexible joints, the structure can bend and adapt to curved surfaces while maintaining structural integrity through the rigid segments. The segmentation allows flexibility where needed while preserving strength in critical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Composite construction with rigid and flexible layers or components allows the device to conform to curved surfaces while the rigid elements provide structural integrity. The flexible layers enable conformability without compromising the strength provided by rigid structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If rigid housing is used to protect internal components, then component protection is improved, but shock absorption and impact resistance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent protectionVSAvoidshock resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates cushioning elements, shock-absorbing materials, or energy-dissipating structures within the housing or between components. These pre-installed protective features absorb shock and impact forces before they can damage internal components, maintaining protection while improving shock resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing uses composite material construction combining rigid materials (for component protection) with shock-absorbing materials (for impact resistance). This composite structure provides both protective enclosure and shock mitigation capabilities simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If the device structure is made complex to enhance functionality, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs universal components and modular designs where single elements perform multiple functions. This multi-functionality enhances versatility without proportionally increasing complexity, as standardized components can be reused across different functions and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Segmentation into modular functional units allows complex functionality to be achieved through composition of simpler, standardized modules. Each module can be manufactured independently using standardized processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Prevents lifting at the longitudinal edges of the flexible display, maintaining structural stability and enhancing the device's aesthetic appeal during slide-in and slide-out actions.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive layer (140) between the first flexible substrate (110) and the second flexible substrate (120)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4513298B1Flexible electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.05.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4513298B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4513298B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4513298B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part slidably disposed with respect to the first housing part; a flexible display at least a portion of which is configured to slide into an inner side of the housing or slide out of an inner side of the housing according to sliding of the second housing part; a support bar at least a portion of which supports an edge portion of the flexible display in an inner side of the housing; and a support plate, the first portion of which is coupled to the support bar, and the second portion of which is coupled to at least a portion of the edge portion of the flexible display, wherein the support bar and the support plate support the edge portion on opposite surfaces of the flexible display.