Rollable Display Gear Assembly for Compact Slide-Out Expansion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face a trade-off between compact size and the need for larger displays to support multimedia services, compromising user experience.

Innovation Solution

A rollable electronic device design incorporating a gear assembly that allows a display to be rolled or unrolled via a slide movement, powered by a motor structure with interconnected gear assemblies to facilitate smooth housing and display support movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a larger display is used to support multimedia services, then user experience is improved, but device size increases and portability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display transitions from a static fixed size to a dynamic variable size through the rolling mechanism. The display can be rolled into a compact state for portability and unrolled to a large state for multimedia consumption, making the display area dynamically adjustable based on usage needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display is rolled into a compact cylindrical or spiral form that nests within the device housing. This nesting mechanism allows the large display area to be condensed into a small volume, enabling the device to maintain a compact form factor while providing a large display when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of moving object

If a rollable display mechanism is implemented, then display area is expanded, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex mechanical rolling mechanism is replaced with an electromagnetic actuation system. A motor structure with gear assemblies converts rotational motion into linear slide movement, controlling the display rolling process through electromagnetic fields rather than complex mechanical linkages, thereby reducing mechanical complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The motor structure serves multiple functions: it generates driving force for housing slide movement, controls display rolling/unrolling, and coordinates the synchronization between housing movement and display support member movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function.

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

3Ease of operation

If gear assemblies are used to transfer driving force, then movement control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement controlVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple gear assemblies are integrated into a unified transmission system where gears from different assemblies work together through meshing. The first gear assembly transfers driving force to the housing, the second gear assembly transfers driving force to the display support member, and their coordinated operation provides precise movement control while sharing common manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 form factor when closed while providing an expanded display area when opened, enhancing user experience with multimedia services without compromising portability.

Implementation Method 1

a motor structure including a motor core configured to generate a driving force for the slide movement of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first gear assembly connected (directly or indirectly) to the first housing and a first end of the motor structure and configured to transfer at least a portion of the driving force generated by the motor core to the first housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4350473B1Rollable electronic device comprising gear assembly
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4350473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4350473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4350473B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device may comprise: a housing comprising a first housing and a second housing which accommodates at least part of the first housing and is configured to move in relation to the first housing; a display configured to unfold on the basis of a sliding movement of the housing; a display support member supporting at least part of the display; a motor structure which comprises a motor core configured to generate a driving force for sliding movement of the housing, and is arranged in the housing; a first gear assembly connected to the first housing and a first end of the motor structure and configured to transfer at least part of the driving force generated by the motor core to the first housing; and a second gear assembly connected to the display support member and a second end of the motor structure opposite to the first end, and configured to transfer at least part of the driving force to the display support member.