Rollable Display Support Member Segmented Links Flatness

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional rollable display devices face challenges in maintaining a flat expanded state when a force is applied perpendicularly to the screen, leading to image distortion, necessitating a support structure to keep the display flat.

Innovation Solution

A rollable display device design featuring a support member with segmented links and a sprocket mechanism that accommodates the display in a body, allowing it to expand and retract while maintaining the display's flatness through magnetic and frictional connections, and a locking unit for adjustable expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display is wound around a roller and unrolled for use, then the display can be compactly stored and expanded when needed, but the display cannot be maintained in a flat expanded state when force acts perpendicularly on the screen, causing image distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexpandability of displayVSAvoidflatness of display
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A support member is introduced as an intermediary element between the display and the external environment. This support member includes a first support unit that contacts the rear surface of the display and a second support unit that contacts the front surface, acting as a mediator to distribute and resist perpendicular forces, thereby maintaining the display's flatness during expanded use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member is divided into multiple segmented links that can pivot relative to each other. This segmentation allows the support structure to adapt to the display's curvature during rolling while providing rigid support when expanded, resolving the contradiction between flexibility during storage and rigidity during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a support structure is added to maintain the display flat, then image distortion is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflatness of displayVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is integrated with the rolling mechanism by connecting it to the roller through connection members. This merging of functions allows the same structural element to serve both as a support for maintaining flatness and as part of the rolling/expansion mechanism, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support member performs multiple functions: it supports the display to maintain flatness, connects to the roller for coordinated movement, and can be controlled to adjust expansion. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Area of moving object

If the display is made larger for better viewing, then the viewing area increases, but the size of the electronic apparatus increases accordingly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidapparatus size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display transitions from a static large-size configuration to a dynamic state where it can be rolled into a compact form. The support member enables this dynamic transformation by providing structural support during expansion and contraction, allowing the display area to be large when needed while keeping the apparatus size small during storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively supports the display in a flat expanded state, preventing image distortion and allowing for adjustable expansion, thereby enhancing the stability and usability of the rollable display device.

Implementation Method 1

moves the support member, wherein the display is configured to be unwound from the roller and is unrolled outward from the first body to expand in the length direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of connection members having a first connection portion is provided at the edge of the display, and wherein a second connection portion configured to be connected to the first connection portion is provided at the plurality of segmented links

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3088986B1Rollable display device
Publication Date: 2020.04.01 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3088986B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3088986B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3088986B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A rollable display device is provided. The rollable display device includes first and second bodies, a display, a roller supported in the first body to be rotatable, to which one end portion of the display in a length direction of the display is fixed and around an outer circumference of which the display is wound, and a support member having a plurality of segmented links connected to pivot around a hinge shaft perpendicular to an image display surface, the support member being accommodated in an accommodation unit provided in the first body. As the first body is separated from the second body, the display is unwound from the roller and is unrolled outward from the first body to expand in the length direction, and the support member is unrolled outward from the first body in the length direction to support a rear surface of the display.