Sensory Button Mechanism for Flexible Display Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to provide a functional button mechanism for electronic devices with flexible display panels that extend to side surfaces, as traditional physical buttons are difficult to integrate in such designs.
Innovation Solution
A sensory button structure is implemented, comprising a sensor unit, a pusher, and a push pad, which are integrated with the display panel and window to detect pressure and provide tactile feedback, allowing for button functionality on the side surface without a physical button.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the display panel is formed as a curved surface extending to the side surface, then the screen can be extended to the side surface of the electronic device, but it becomes difficult to provide a physical button on the side surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical physical button with a sensory button system comprising a sensor unit and a pusher. The sensor unit detects pressing actions through the flexible display panel without requiring a physical button structure, thus maintaining the curved surface design while enabling button functionality through sensor-based detection rather than mechanical components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a sensory button structure is implemented to replace physical buttons, then button functionality can be maintained on flexible displays, but additional components (sensor unit, pusher, fixing member) are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the button functionality with the existing flexible display panel structure. The sensor unit is integrated behind the display panel, and the pusher works in conjunction with the flexible panel itself as part of the sensing mechanism. This consolidation reduces the need for separate, independent button components while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible display panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the display surface and the pressing interface for the sensory button. The pusher structure also serves dual purposes by transferring force to the sensor while being integrated into the overall device architecture. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated components needed.
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 solution enables the recognition and operation of button functions on electronic devices with flexible displays, offering tactile feedback and maintaining the device's sleek design by replacing traditional physical buttons with a sensory interface.
Implementation Method 1
a pusher positioned between the sensor unit and the display panel to transfer an external force applied to a predetermined area of the window to the sensor unit
Implementation Method 2
The sensor unit may include a pressure sensor and a support plate disposed at at least one side of the pressure sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a window having a front surface and a rear surface, a display panel disposed on the rear surface of the window, the display panel having a front surface and a rear surface, and a sensory button set disposed on the rear surface of the display panel. The sensory button set includes a sensor unit, and a pusher disposed between the sensor unit and the display panel configured to transfer an external force applied to a predetermined area of the window to the sensor unit.