Rollable Display Device With Segmented Support Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rollable display devices face challenges in stably supporting flexible display panels when unwound, leading to potential mechanical weakness and instability.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a rollable display device design that includes a housing with first and second roller parts, assemblies with flexible display panels, and support structures such as magnet and adhesive-based support elements to enhance mechanical strength and flatness, allowing for stable unwinding and display functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display panel is made more flexible to enable rolling, then the portability and rollability are improved, but the mechanical strength and stability when unwound deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverollabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple support elements distributed across the back surface of the flexible display panel. Each support element provides localized reinforcement, allowing the panel to maintain overall flexibility while gaining distributed mechanical strength when unwound.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the flexible display panel material with rigid support elements to create a composite structure. This composite construction maintains the flexible characteristics needed for rolling while adding the mechanical strength required for stable display when unwound.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Weight of moving object

If the flexible display panel is made thinner and more flexible for portability, then the weight and size are reduced, but the structural stability and flatness when unwound deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple support elements distributed across the back surface of the flexible display panel. Each support element provides localized reinforcement, allowing the panel to maintain overall flexibility while gaining distributed mechanical strength when unwound.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than making the entire panel rigid, support elements are strategically positioned at specific locations on the back surface where structural reinforcement is most needed. This localized approach maintains flexibility and light weight while providing stability when unwound.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If support structures are added to enhance mechanical strength, then the stability when unwound is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are designed to be thin and flexible, conforming to the flexible display panel's characteristics. This maintains the overall simplicity and flexibility of the device while providing necessary structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are integrated directly with the flexible display panel structure, combining the support function with the display panel itself rather than adding separate complex support mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration ensures stable support and enhanced mechanical strength of flexible display panels when unwound, maintaining a flat state and enabling reliable display functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet structure body coupled to the other surface of the support structure body to have a magnetic attraction force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a support structure body coupled to the other surface of the flexible display panel through an adhesive layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3605272B1Rollable display device
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3605272B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3605272B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3605272B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

A rollable display device includes a first roller part, a second roller part, a first assembly, and a second assembly. The first assembly is wound around the first roller part or unwound from the first roller part. The second assembly is wound around the second roller part or unwound from the second roller part to be opposite to the first assembly. The first assembly includes a first flexible display panel and a first support structure body. The first support structure body has a plurality of divided structures, and the first support structure body is coupled to the back surface of the first flexible display panel to support the first flexible display panel. The second assembly includes a second support structure body. The second support structure body has a plurality of divided structures, and the second support structure body is coupled to the first support structure body by a magnetic force to support a second flexible display panel.