Rollable Display Link Gear Structure for Stable Panel Unrolling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in stably rolling and unrolling flexible display panels around a roller, synchronizing the operations of left and right foldable links, and providing torque for raising foldable links.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a housing, a roller, a display unit, foldable links, a motor, and gears that include a link gear with a disk shape and eccentric cut-out parts for coupling, along with a gas spring to provide force for raising links.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a flexible display panel is bent or rolled around a roller, then the display device can be made compact and portable, but it becomes difficult to stably roll or unroll the flexible display around the roller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a foldable link mechanism with multiple pivot points that dynamically adjusts the position and orientation of the display panel during rolling and unrolling operations. The lower link pivots at the housing and the upper link pivots at the lower link, creating a dynamic system that maintains stability throughout the motion range, resolving the contradiction between compactness and rolling stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display support structure is segmented into multiple components: housing, roller, foldable link (with lower and upper links), and driving mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the roller provides the rolling surface, the foldable link provides the folding motion, and the driving mechanism provides the actuation force, collectively achieving stable rolling while maintaining compactness.
2Device complexity
If traditional coupling methods are used between links and gears, then the structure is simpler, but the coupling is not firm enough to transmit torque reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The link gear features an asymmetric design with a cut-out part that is eccentric to the shaft hole. This asymmetric configuration creates a specific engagement geometry between the link gear and the link, ensuring firm coupling and reliable torque transmission while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The eccentric cut-out provides a unique engagement point that prevents slippage during operation.
3Device complexity
If left and right foldable links operate independently, then the mechanism is simpler, but the operations cannot be synchronized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the driving mechanisms for left and right foldable links through a shared gear system. The link gears on both sides engage with corresponding gears that are part of a unified driving mechanism, ensuring that both links operate in synchronization. This merging approach maintains relative simplicity while achieving coordinated operation of both links.
4Use of energy by moving object
If sufficient torque is not provided to the foldable links, then the mechanism uses less energy, but the links cannot be raised against gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gas spring as part of the driving mechanism to assist in raising the foldable links. The gas spring provides additional force during the raising operation, reducing the energy that would otherwise be required from the motor. This pneumatic assistance enables the system to overcome gravity more efficiently while consuming less electrical energy.
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
The solution ensures firm coupling of links and gears, maintains bilateral symmetry during unrolling, synchronizes operations of left and right foldable links, and provides torque for raising links, enhancing the stability and functionality of flexible display devices.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring installed in the housing and configured to provide a lifting force
Implementation Method 2
a gas spring installed in the housing and configured to provide a lifting force
Implementation Method 3
a motor installed adj acent to the lower link in the housing and configured to provide a driving force
Implementation Method 4
a gear fixed to a driving shaft of the motor; and a link gear coupled to the lower link and engaged with the gear
Implementation Method 5
a link gear coupled to the lower link and engaged with the gear
Implementation Method 6
the lower link is eccentric to an axis of rotation of the link gear, to be coupled to the link gear
Data Source
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AI summary
A display device is disclosed. The display device of the present disclosure includes: a housing; a roller installed in the housing; a display unit rolled around or unrolled from the roller; a foldable link including a lower link having one side pivotally coupled to the housing, and an upper link having one side pivotally coupled to another side of the lower link and having another side pivotally coupled to an upper portion of the display unit; a motor installed adjacent to the lower link in the housing and configured to provide a driving force; a gear fixed to a driving shaft of the motor; and a link gear coupled to the lower link and engaged with the gear, wherein the lower link is eccentric to an axis of rotation of the link gear, to be coupled to the link gear.