Rollable Screen Linkage Structure for Full Retraction in Compact Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current rollable screens in electronic devices cannot be completely rolled or extended, resulting in a large volume and incomplete screen scaling functionality.
Innovation Solution
A foldable mechanism using a first and second movable plate with a linkage structure that allows the screen to transition between rolled and unrolled states by horizontal movement of the first movable plate, enabling complete retraction and extension of the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the screen is made extendable and retractable, then screen scaling functionality is improved, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is rolled into a compact cylindrical shape and nested within the housing when retracted, similar to a nested doll structure. The rolled screen fits inside the housing volume, allowing the device to maintain a compact form factor while providing extendable screen functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen transitions from a two-dimensional flat display to a three-dimensional rolled structure. By utilizing the third dimension (depth/volume) through rolling, the screen can be completely retracted into the housing, achieving compact device volume while maintaining screen scaling adaptability.
2Volume of moving object
If the screen is completely rolled into the housing, then device volume is reduced, but the reliability of screen retraction may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage structure is divided into multiple segments (first linkage component, second linkage component, third linkage component) that work together in sequence. This segmentation allows the complex retraction motion to be broken down into manageable steps, improving reliability by ensuring each segment performs its specific function correctly.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage structure provides mechanical feedback through its interconnected components. As the first movable plate moves, the linkage components transmit motion and force to the second movable plate, ensuring complete retraction. The mechanical coupling acts as a feedback mechanism that confirms proper retraction status.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a linkage structure is used to drive the second movable plate, then screen scaling functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it converts horizontal motion of the first movable plate into vertical motion of the second movable plate, provides mechanical coupling between the plates, and ensures complete retraction of the screen. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The first and second movable plates are merged with the housing structure, and the linkage components are integrated between them. This merging approach consolidates multiple elements into a compact assembly, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining screen scaling functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable mechanism includes a first movable plate, a second movable plate and a linkage structure. The first movable plate is below and supports an object to be rolled. The second movable plate is spaced apart from the first movable plate along a first direction, is connected to a first end of the object to be rolled and is below and supports the object to be rolled. The linkage structure is movably connected between the first movable plate and the second movable plate. The first movable plate is configured to move along a second direction to drive the linkage structure to fold or unfold, and the linkage structure is configured to drive the second movable plate to move close to or away from the first movable plate along the first direction, so as to switch the object to be rolled between a rolled state and an unrolled state.