Sliding Display Mechanism with Rear Spring Module

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in expanding display area without compromising portability, particularly in slidable types where the sliding structure's movement relative to a fixed structure affects the exposed display area.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a driving unit, such as a spring module, between the sliding and fixed structures to enable the electronic device to switch between expanded and reduced states, with the driving unit disposed on the rear surface of the sliding structure, allowing users to operate it by sliding the display or structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a sliding structure is used to expand the display area, then the display area is increased, but the device complexity increases due to the need for driving units and mechanical components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding structure is nested within the fixed structure, with the display panel integrated into the sliding mechanism. The driving unit is disposed within the housing and connected to the sliding structure, allowing compact arrangement of components while enabling display area expansion through relative sliding motion between the fixed and sliding structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The display structure transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, where the sliding structure can move relative to the fixed structure to change the exposed display area. The driving unit enables controlled motion between the two structures, allowing the display to expand or reduce based on user needs while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a driving unit is added to enable sliding motion, then the display can be expanded or reduced, but the mounting space is reduced due to the additional components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay state change capabilityVSAvoidmounting space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The driving unit is merged with the housing structure, where the housing serves as both the enclosure and the mounting platform for the driving mechanism. The fixed structure and sliding structure are integrated with the driving unit such that the driving force is transmitted through the existing structural components, reducing the need for separate mounting elements and optimizing space utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If the driving unit is disposed on the rear surface of the sliding structure, then the mounting space is optimized, but the ease of operation may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting spaceVSAvoidoperation intuitiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding structure acts as an intermediary between the user's input and the display expansion function. When the user slides the display or the sliding structure, the motion is transmitted through the driving unit disposed on the rear surface of the sliding structure, which converts the sliding motion into the appropriate mechanical action to expand or reduce the display area, maintaining operational intuitiveness while optimizing internal space

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures mounting space and improves user experience by allowing intuitive operation while expanding or reducing the display area, enhancing both portability and usability.

Implementation Method 1

a driving unit, such as a spring module, between the sliding and fixed structures to enable the electronic device to switch between expanded and reduced states

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4163760B1Electronic device comprising flexible display
Publication Date: 2025.03.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4163760B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4163760B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4163760B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes a first structure, a second structure coupled to the first structure so as to be slidable in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, a display that is at least partially disposed on the second structure and that moves relative to the first structure together with the second structure, in which a size of an area of the display exposed on a front side of the electronic device is changed in response to a sliding motion of the second structure, and a driving unit that connects part of the first structure and part of the second structure and generates an elastic force in the first direction or the second direction in response to a movement of the second structure. Besides, it may be permissible to prepare various other embodiments speculated through the specification.