Slidable Rollable Display Structure for Hidden Component Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

The continuous size reduction of portable electronic devices leads to a lack of space for additional components or devices, such as stylus pens or cameras, reducing usability.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a rollable or slidable display that includes a first and second housing, where the display's information region increases or decreases based on housing sliding, equipped with displacement sensors and processors to detect and respond to housing movements, and a hidden region for additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the size of portable electronic devices is continuously reduced, then the device becomes more portable, but the space for additional components or devices (such as stylus pens or cameras) decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidspace for additional components
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where the second housing is disposed within the first housing, creating a telescopic or slideable configuration. This nesting allows the device to maintain a compact form factor when closed while providing access to additional components stored in the hidden region of the first housing when opened.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sliding mechanism that moves the second housing relative to the first housing along a longitudinal axis, effectively utilizing the dimension created by housing separation. This allows the display area to be extended beyond the static boundaries of a single housing while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If a slidable or rollable display is implemented to increase screen size, then the display area increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidmechanical structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic housing configuration where the second housing can slide relative to the first housing along a longitudinal axis. This dynamic structure allows the display area to be adjusted based on user needs while maintaining a compact form when not in use, balancing functionality with manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If a hidden region is created for additional components, then the usability increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveusabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hidden region is implemented by nesting the second housing within the first housing, creating a telescopic structure. This allows additional components to be stored in the first housing's hidden region while maintaining a compact overall device size, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4174618B1Electronic apparatus including rollable or slidable display
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4174618B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4174618B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4174618B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document comprises: a first housing; a second housing slidably coupled with respect to the first housing; a display of which at least a part is fixed to the second housing so that an information display region, which is a part of the electronic device visible on the outside, increases or decreases according to the sliding of the second housing; a displacement sensor for sensing the sliding displacement of the second housing relative to the first housing; and a processor operatively connected to the display and the displacement sensor. The displacement sensor can generate a first signal when the second housing slides in a first direction from a reference position where an end of the second housing and an end of the first housing are substantially aligned, and can generate a second signal when the second housing slides in a second direction opposite the first direction from the reference position. The processor can receive the first signal from the displacement sensor and perform a first operation, and can receive the second signal from the displacement sensor and perform a second operation different from the first operation. Other various embodiments are possible.