Rollable Display Extension Detection Using Hall Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with rollable displays face challenges in determining the extension state without compromising thickness and performance, particularly due to the need for numerous magnets and large volume components like encoders, which degrade space utilization and component performance.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a movable housing structure and sensors to measure and correct the extension distance, allowing the screen to adjust dynamically based on the visible portion, using a combination of distance sensors and processors to ensure accurate display sizing and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hall sensors and multiple magnets are arranged in the housing structure to detect display extension, then the extension state can be determined, but space utilization deteriorates and performance of other electronic components is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic detection function from the housing structure by placing magnets only on the display panel itself. This removes the need for multiple magnets distributed throughout the housing, freeing up space while maintaining the ability to detect display extension states through the hall sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel serves multiple functions: it is both the display surface and the carrier for the magnets used in extension detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate detection components in the housing, improving space utilization while maintaining detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If an encoder is used to measure motor rotations for determining display extension, then the extension length can be calculated, but the device thickness increases due to the large volume of the encoder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical encoder system with a magnetic field-based detection system using hall sensors and magnets. This substitution eliminates the need for a bulky mechanical encoder, maintaining measurement accuracy while significantly reducing device thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from motor rotation count (requiring encoder) to magnetic field position detection (using hall sensor). This parameter change enables extension measurement without the thickness penalty of a mechanical encoder.
3Measurement precision
If many magnets are arranged in the housing structure to detect display extension states, then the extension can be detected, but the weight of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the magnetic elements from the heavy housing structure and places them only on the lightweight display panel. This reduces the overall number of magnets needed and concentrates them where they serve dual purposes, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 real-time detection and adjustment of the display size corresponding to the extension state, enhancing usability and durability by protecting the driver mechanisms, while maintaining a thin form factor and efficient component placement.
Implementation Method 1
the electronic device may include various magnets arranged at regular intervals along a direction in which the display is extended, and may determine an extension length of the display according to the number of magnets detected by a hall sensor
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor disposed in the second housing and configured to measure a distance of the second housing to the first housing
Data Source
AI summary
A housing of an electronic device according to an embodiment may include a combination of at least two housings, and the entire size or length of the electronic device may change according to relative movement between the housings. The electronic device may comprise: a flexible display configured to expand or contract according to a change in size of the electronic device. A portion of the flexible display may be inserted into the housing when the housing contracts and may be drawn out of the housing when the housing expands. The electronic device may comprise a distance sensor and/or an expansion sensor. The distance sensor is configured to measure a change in a relative distance of the housing, and the expansion sensor senses a contraction or expansion state of the housing, thereby contributing to correcting data measured by the distance sensor. The electronic device employing the distance sensor and/or the expansion sensor can accurately sense the size of an externally visible portion of a display and can display a screen appropriate to the size of the visible portion of the display.