Roller Mechanism for Flexible Display Flat State Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display units in mobile terminals face challenges in maintaining a stable, flat state when extended, as existing support structures restrict bending to specific positions and may cause the display to lift or deform unevenly, affecting portability and usability.

Innovation Solution

A mobile terminal design featuring a sliding frame system with a rotatable magnetic roller and high-friction outer cover, combined with a rolling plate and support bars, allows the flexible display unit to expand and contract stably while maintaining a flat state, using a combination of magnetic and high-friction materials to ensure proper adhesion and movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a flexible display unit is extended in a mobile terminal, then the screen size is increased, but the display unit may lift or deform unevenly and fail to maintain a stable flat state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen sizeVSAvoidflat state stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible display unit that can be extended and retracted while maintaining its structural integrity. The flexible display is mounted on a rolling plate that allows it to extend beyond the terminal body while remaining supported, preventing deformation and lifting during extension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling plate acts as an intermediary between the flexible display unit and the terminal body. It provides a stable mounting surface that allows the display to extend smoothly while maintaining contact and support, preventing the display from lifting or deforming during extension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If the flexible display unit is restricted to bend at a specific position, then the bending point is fixed, but the durability of the flexible display unit is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending positionVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the bending position dynamic rather than fixed. The flexible display unit can bend at different positions along its length depending on how much it is extended. When fully retracted, it bends at one position; when extended, the bending point moves, distributing wear and preventing damage at a single location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display unit is designed as a continuous flexible structure rather than being segmented at a fixed hinge point. This allows it to bend at multiple positions along its length, distributing mechanical stress and improving durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If a support structure is added to maintain the flat state of the extended display, then the display stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rolling plate is designed as a thin, flexible support structure that provides necessary stability without adding significant complexity. It allows the display to extend smoothly while maintaining contact and support, preventing deformation with a simple yet effective design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enables the flexible display unit to adjust its size seamlessly, preventing lifting and ensuring stable movement, thus enhancing portability and usability while optimizing space utilization and adhesion adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

the roller comprises an inner magnetic roller and a high friction outer cover and the inner magnetic roller comprises N-poles and S-poles alternately arranged along the outer circumferential surface of the roller

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

the roller comprises an inner magnetic roller and a high friction outer cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3893473B1Mobile terminal
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3893473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3893473B1 patent drawingFigure 2~2(b)
  • EP3893473B1 patent drawingFigure 3~3(b)

AI summary

A mobile terminal switchable from a first state to a second state by extending in a first direction, the mobile terminal comprises a first frame, a second frame slidably-movable with respect to the first frame in the first direction or in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a slide frame slideably-movable with respect to the second frame in the first direction or in the second direction, a roller coupled to one side of the second frame and configured to rotate about an axis extending in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the roller comprises a high friction material, a flexible display including a first region coupled to the first frame, a second region coupled to the slide frame, and a third region positioned between the first region and the second region, wherein the third region is curved around the second frame, and a rolling plate comprising a surface attached to the flexible display.