Rollable Mobile Terminal Support Link for Flat Flexible Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mobile terminals with flexible displays face challenges in maintaining a flat state while adjusting their size, leading to potential damage from concentrated stress and sagging.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal design featuring a first and second frame, a slide frame, and a support link with variable length, along with rollers and a driving unit, allows the terminal to switch between states while maintaining a flat configuration, using a flexible display that can be bent and rolled to adjust screen size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the flexible display is extended to increase screen size, then the display area is increased, but the display may suffer from concentrated stress and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddisplay durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple support links (first support link, second support link, third support link, fourth support link) that distribute the mechanical stress across different segments rather than concentrating it at a single point. Each support link independently supports a portion of the extended display, reducing the stress on any single link and on the display itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support links are designed with variable lengths that can dynamically adjust during the extension process. The support links change their arrangement from a compact configuration (first arrangement) to an extended configuration (second arrangement), allowing the structure to adapt to different display sizes while maintaining optimal stress distribution throughout the movement range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of stationary object

If the flexible display is extended to increase screen size, then the display area is increased, but the display may sag and fail to maintain a flat state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidflatness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple support links (first support link, second support link, third support link, fourth support link) that distribute the mechanical stress across different segments rather than concentrating it at a single point. Each support link independently supports a portion of the extended display, reducing the stress on any single link and on the display itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support links are arranged in a two-dimensional configuration (first arrangement and second arrangement) that provides support not only in the direction of extension but also perpendicular to it. This multi-dimensional arrangement ensures the display maintains its flat state by providing support from multiple directions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Shape

If a rigid support structure is used to maintain flatness, then the display remains flat, but the device loses flexibility and portability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflatnessVSAvoidsize adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support links are designed with variable lengths that can dynamically adjust during the extension process. The support links change their arrangement from a compact configuration (first arrangement) to an extended configuration (second arrangement), allowing the structure to adapt to different display sizes while maintaining optimal stress distribution throughout the movement range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible display that can be deformed and extended, combined with a support structure that provides necessary rigidity only when needed. The support links can transition between supporting and non-supporting states, allowing the display to be flexible during extension while maintaining flatness when extended.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If the support link length is fixed, then the structure is simpler, but the terminal cannot adjust its size while maintaining stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize adjustabilityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support links are designed with variable lengths that can dynamically adjust during the extension process. The support links change their arrangement from a compact configuration (first arrangement) to an extended configuration (second arrangement), allowing the structure to adapt to different display sizes while maintaining optimal stress distribution throughout the movement range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support links serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable size adjustment, distribute stress, and maintain the display's flat state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, balancing the complexity of the support structure with the versatility it provides.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4120667B1Mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP4120667B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4120667B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4120667B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a mobile terminal switchable from a first state to a second state by extending in the first direction, including a first frame, a second frame movable from the first frame in the first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, a slide frame movable in the first direction or the second direction with respect to the second frame, and a support link having one end hinged to the first frame and an opposite end hinged to the second frame, the support link having a variable length. The mobile terminal may maintain a flat state regardless of change in the state of the mobile terminal by preventing the front surface from being separated or sagging.