Rollable Display Thin-Metal Cover for Smaller Rollers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rollable display devices face challenges in efficiently supporting and protecting the display panel, particularly when rolled, and in reducing the size of the roller to achieve a slim device design.

Innovation Solution

The rollable display device incorporates a module cover made of a thin metal plate, such as titanium, with a yield strain of at least 0.5%, to support the display panel and reduce the roller size. The module cover is attached to the display panel using an adhesive and includes bezel portions to protect the edges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a thin metal plate module cover is used to support the display panel, then the device thickness is reduced and aesthetic appeal is enhanced, but the structural strength and impact protection capability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice thicknessVSAvoidimpact protection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The module cover is constructed from a thin metal plate (titanium or titanium alloy) that combines low density with high strength characteristics. The metal material inherently possesses high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the cover to maintain structural integrity and impact protection capability while achieving reduced thickness and weight for aesthetic appeal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Length of stationary object

If the roller size is reduced to achieve a slim device profile, then the device thickness is reduced, but the ability to support and protect the display panel during rolling is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller sizeVSAvoiddisplay panel support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The module cover made from thin metal plate provides rigid support to the display panel, enabling the system to use a smaller roller diameter. The high strength-to-weight ratio of the metal cover compensates for the reduced roller size, maintaining adequate support and protection capability during rolling operations while achieving a slimmer device profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If bezel portions are added to protect the edges of the display panel, then impact protection is improved, but the device thickness and complexity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge protection capabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The module cover is designed with integrated bezel portions that extend beyond the display panel edges. These bezel portions are formed as continuous extensions of the thin metal plate cover itself, providing edge protection without requiring separate protective components. The segmentation principle is applied in the sense that the cover is functionally divided into a main protective area and extended bezel areas, all within a single thin-layer structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Weight of moving object

If a thin metal plate is used for the module cover, then the device weight is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and material quality control are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice weightVSAvoidmaterial quality control
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention specifies using titanium or titanium alloy materials with controlled thickness parameters (indicated as a specific thin gauge). By carefully selecting and controlling the thickness parameter of the metal plate, the design achieves optimal balance between weight reduction and manufacturing feasibility. The parameter change principle is applied to optimize the thickness value to be thin enough for weight reduction but thick enough to maintain manufacturing precision and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design enhances the aesthetic appeal by maintaining a slim device profile, while also providing effective protection to the display panel against impacts, and efficiently managing the size of the roller.

Implementation Method 1

a skin layer being attached to a support portion of the back plate via an adhesive layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

A metal support layer of a flexible display is formed from a material with a yield strain of greater than 0,5%

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4006883B1Rollable display device
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4006883B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4006883B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4006883B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rollable display device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a roller; a display unit which is rolled around the roller, and which comprises a display panel and a module cover that is laminated on the display panel so as to face same; a link assembly for moving the display unit upward and downward; and a motor assembly for driving the link assembly, wherein the module cover can comprise: a module cover having a yield strain of 0.5% or higher; and a film part which is laminated on the module cover and which has an elongation rate higher than that of the module cover.