Sliding Mechanism for Flexible Screen Extension and Retraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Designing a mechanism to effectively control the extension and retraction of flexible screens in electronic devices is challenging, as it requires precise and reliable sliding mechanisms to manage varying screen sizes and user experiences.

Innovation Solution

A sliding mechanism comprising a sliding rail assembly and a driving assembly that includes a fixing member, sliding rails, and a driving assembly support, where the sliding rails are driven to slide inwards or outwards through a system of lead screws and guide rods, facilitated by a lubrication layer and elastic buffer assemblies, allowing for precise control of the flexible screen's display area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sliding mechanism is designed to control flexible screen extension and retraction, then the screen can adapt to various usage demands with different display sizes, but the mechanism design becomes complex and challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay size adaptabilityVSAvoidsliding mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding mechanism is divided into multiple independent components: sliding rails, driving assemblies, lead screws, guide rods, and buffer assemblies. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the complex overall function to be achieved through simpler modular elements that can be designed and manufactured separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a nested structure where the sliding rail assembly is integrated within the housing assembly, and the driving assembly is positioned within the sliding rail assembly. The lead screws and guide rods are nested within the driving assembly, creating a compact hierarchical structure that reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If lead screws and guide rods are used to drive sliding rails, then precise control of screen extension is achieved, but friction and wear increase requiring lubrication layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen extension control precisionVSAvoidfriction and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A lubrication layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the sliding rails and the driving components (lead screws and guide rods). This lubrication layer reduces direct metal-to-metal contact, minimizing friction and wear while preserving the precise control function of the mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Elastic buffer assemblies are positioned at specific locations within the sliding mechanism to provide preemptive cushioning during operation. These buffers absorb shocks and reduce impact forces before they can cause significant wear to the precision components, extending the mechanism's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If elastic buffer assemblies are added to the sliding mechanism, then reliability and smooth operation improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesliding mechanism reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism component count
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic buffer assemblies are integrated into the existing sliding rail structure rather than being added as completely separate components. The buffers are positioned within the housing assembly and work in conjunction with the sliding rails, merging the cushioning function with the existing structural elements to minimize overall complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables flexible screens to be easily extended or retracted, providing different display sizes and improving user experience by allowing the screen to adapt to various usage demands while reducing weight and enhancing portability compared to foldable screens.

Implementation Method 1

facilitated by a lubrication layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLubrication: Lubrication

Implementation Method 2

elastic buffer assemblies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3992755B1Sliding mechanism and electronic device
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP3992755B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3992755B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3992755B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a sliding mechanism and an electronic device. The sliding mechanism is used in the electronic device, and includes a sliding rail assembly and a driving assembly. The sliding rail assembly includes at least one fixing member and at least one sliding rail, the fixing member is fixed to a housing assembly of the electronic device and provided with a first sliding groove, and the sliding rail has an end slidably limited in the first sliding groove. The driving assembly is fixed to the housing assembly, coupled to the sliding rail, and configured to drive the at least one sliding rail to slide outwards from a retracted state to an extended state from the housing assembly and to slide inwards towards the retracted state of the housing assembly from the extended state.