Sliding Flexible Display Structure for Continuous Folding and Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing folding flexible display devices suffer from poor dynamic continuity and user experience due to manual operation and incomplete flexibility, leading to cumbersome usage and suboptimal screen display quality.

Innovation Solution

A sliding flexible display device with a flexible display panel and a sliding component comprising multiple modules that allow for transitions between flat, retracted, and folded states, enabling 'stepped' or 'drawer-like' contraction and expansion, which enhances the flexibility and continuity of the display.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual folding operation is used to achieve portability and large display screen combination, then device portability is improved, but dynamic continuity of the display screen deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice portabilityVSAvoiddynamic continuity of display screen
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic sliding mechanisms that enable dynamic transition between extended and retracted states without manual intervention. The first and second sliding components automatically move the flexible display panel between positions, maintaining continuous display during state transitions and eliminating the need for users to manually fold the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding components are configured to automatically control the flexible display panel's position transitions. The system self-regulates the extension and retraction movements through the sliding mechanisms, eliminating manual operation requirements and ensuring consistent, controlled transitions that preserve display continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual bending operation is used to change device shape, then device flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice flexibilityVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual bending with automatic sliding mechanisms. The first and second sliding components dynamically adjust the flexible display panel's position between extended and retracted states, providing device flexibility through automated mechanical movement rather than requiring users to manually bend the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding components automatically perform the shape-changing function. When transitioning between states, the sliding mechanisms self-actuate to move the flexible display panel, eliminating the need for user intervention and significantly improving operation convenience while maintaining device flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If complete retraction of flexible display panel is used to maximize portability, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to excessive elastomer deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoiddisplay screen quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the retraction function into two separate sliding components: a first sliding component and a second sliding component. This segmentation allows the flexible display panel to be retracted in stages, with each sliding component handling a portion of the retraction movement, thereby limiting the deformation of the elastomer to manageable levels while achieving complete compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second sliding components are nested within the housing, with the flexible display panel passing through both sliding components during retraction. This nested arrangement allows sequential engagement and disengagement of the sliding components, enabling controlled, staged retraction that prevents excessive elastomer deformation while achieving full compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Manufacturing precision

If staged retraction through multiple sliding components is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay screen qualityVSAvoidsliding component structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second sliding components are integrated within a single housing structure, sharing common mounting features and spatial arrangement. The sliding components work in conjunction with each other, with their movements coordinated through the shared housing framework, thereby reducing overall structural complexity despite the staged retraction mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Both sliding components perform similar functions (retaining and moving the flexible display panel) using analogous structural designs. This universality allows for standardized manufacturing and assembly procedures, reducing the practical complexity introduced by having multiple sliding components while maintaining the precision benefits of staged retraction.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4160575B1Sliding-type flexible display device
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • EP4160575B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4160575B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4160575B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A sliding flexible display device is provided. The sliding flexible display device includes a flexible display panel and a sliding component for carrying the flexible display panel. The sliding component includes a plurality of sliding modules that may slide relatively. The sliding flexible display device has a contraction and stretching function under action of the sliding modules. The display device may be freely changed from a flat state to a retracted state and a folded state. The flexible display panel exhibits different folding forms as the states change, and achieves display screen continuity of the flexible display panel.