Rollable Display Unit With Magnetic Attraction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mobile terminals with fixed display sizes are inconvenient for users, particularly those made of solid materials, as they cannot be easily adjusted for varying screen sizes or orientations.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal design featuring a deformable display unit that can be rolled or unrolled using a magnetic mechanism, with hall sensors to adjust the screen ratio based on the exposed region, allowing users to easily adjust the display size by rolling the display unit on an internal cylindrical case and rotating it with a magnetic force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed-size display is used in a solid mobile terminal, then the terminal structure is simple and stable, but the display size cannot be adjusted for different usage scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay size adjustmentVSAvoidterminal structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit is designed to be dynamically adjustable in size through a rolling mechanism. The display can be rolled into the terminal body or extended outward, allowing the user to switch between a compact state and an expanded display state. This dynamic structure enables the terminal to adapt to different usage scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The display unit is nested within the terminal body when not in use. The rolling mechanism allows the display to be stored inside the terminal housing, similar to a nested doll structure. This nesting approach enables the terminal to maintain a compact form factor while still providing access to a larger display when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display is made extendable from housing, then the display size can be adjusted, but the edge portions require complex protective structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay extendabilityVSAvoidedge protector structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The edge protector is divided into multiple segments that can independently move and adapt to the display's extended or retracted position. Each segment is connected through hinges, allowing them to follow the display's motion without requiring a complex overall structure. This segmentation simplifies the protective mechanism while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The edge protector segments automatically follow the display's motion through hinge connections without requiring additional actuators or complex control mechanisms. The structure serves itself by using the display's own movement to drive the protective segments into their appropriate positions, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Stability of the object's composition

If electromagnets are used to straighten the flexible display during unrolling, then the display can be maintained flat, but the device requires additional magnetic components and energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay flatnessVSAvoidelectromagnet system
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical straightening mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. Electromagnets integrated into the terminal body generate magnetic fields that interact with magnetic materials in the display unit, providing a simplified way to maintain display flatness during extension and retraction without requiring complex mechanical linkages or additional structural components.

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

4Adaptability or versatility

If a rolling mechanism is added to adjust display size, then the terminal becomes adaptable to different screen sizes, but the reliability of the rolling operation may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay size variabilityVSAvoidrolling operation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal includes sensors that detect the position and state of the rolling display unit. This feedback information is used by the control system to monitor the rolling operation, ensure proper engagement of the display with the terminal body, and trigger appropriate responses if anomalies are detected. The feedback mechanism enhances reliability by providing continuous monitoring and control of the rolling operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 flexible display adjustment, maintaining the display unit flatly and allowing continuous rotation without the need for separate rolling mechanisms, while calculating the exposed screen area for optimal display ratio.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic member provided between the body part and the display unit, characterized in that a plurality of second magnetic members (234) which have the same polarity and are separated from each other are provided under the display unit (220)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3322160B1Mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2020.09.09 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3322160B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3322160B1 patent drawingFigure 1B~1C
  • EP3322160B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mobile terminal comprising: a body part having various kinds of electronic parts embedded therein; and a display unit accommodated in the body part in a first state and exposed to the outside of the body part in a second state, wherein the body part comprises: a hollow-type intermediate case having a first magnetic member provided therein; and a first case and a second case formed separately from the intermediate case and respectively formed at an upper part and a lower part, wherein a plurality of second magnetic members formed to be spaced along a first direction and having the same polarity are provided at a lower part of the display unit such that the display unit can be rolled by attraction with the first magnetic member.