{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854667","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854667","title":"Display unit and electronic apparatus","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2013-05-31T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["G06F"],"num_claims":19,"abstract":"A display unit includes: a display section (11) having flexibility; and a bending control section (12a, 12b) configured to limit a movable shaft in bending the display section (11) to one direction in a display surface and allowed to maintain the display section (11) in an arbitrary bending state."},"analysis":{"summary":"The Display Unit and Electronic Apparatus patent introduces a novel approach to flexible display technology. The core innovation is a bending control mechanism that limits the bending of a flexible display section to one direction, while allowing it to maintain an arbitrary bending state. This solves the problem of fragility and limited lifespan in traditional flexible displays. The key technical approach involves using movable shafts to control and restrict the bending motion, preventing excessive stress and deformation. The business value lies in enabling the creation of more durable and versatile electronic devices, such as foldable smartphones, curved displays for wearables, and more ergonomic automotive displays. The market opportunity is significant, as the demand for flexible displays continues to grow across various industries. This patent provides a foundation for developing more reliable and user-friendly flexible display technology.","layman_explanation":"The Display Unit and Electronic Apparatus patent addresses the problem of fragile flexible displays. Existing flexible displays often break easily because they bend in multiple directions, causing stress and damage. This invention solves this problem by incorporating a bending control mechanism that limits bending to a single direction. This mechanism ensures that the display bends in a controlled manner, preventing excessive stress and deformation.\n\nThe technology works by using movable shafts that restrict bending to one direction. Imagine a hinge that only allows a door to swing one way. The bending control mechanism works similarly, ensuring that the display bends along a predefined axis. This prevents the display from bending in unintended directions, which can lead to cracks and other damage.\n\nThis innovation matters because it enables the creation of more durable and reliable flexible displays. This opens up new possibilities for innovative device designs, such as foldable smartphones, curved displays for wearables, and more ergonomic automotive displays. The market impact is significant, as the demand for flexible displays continues to grow across various industries.\n\nFuture applications of this technology include the development of more advanced wearable devices and automotive displays. The market adoption timeline is expected to be gradual, as manufacturers integrate this technology into their products. The investment implications are favorable, as this technology reduces the risk of display failure and extends the lifespan of flexible devices.","technical_analysis":"The Display Unit and Electronic Apparatus patent focuses on enhancing the durability and reliability of flexible displays through a controlled bending mechanism. The technical architecture involves a flexible display section and a bending control section. The bending control section employs movable shafts that restrict bending to a single direction, mitigating the risk of multi-directional bending, which can cause stress fractures and delamination. The implementation details include the selection of materials for the shafts, such as polymers or composite materials, and the design of the shafts to account for the bending radius and desired bending angle. Finite element analysis (FEA) can be used to optimize the design and ensure that the display can withstand repeated bending cycles without failure. This approach improves the performance characteristics of flexible displays by minimizing stress concentration and enhancing the overall structural integrity. The code-level implications would involve integrating the bending control mechanism into the hardware design and developing software algorithms to manage the display's bending behavior.","business_analysis":"The Display Unit and Electronic Apparatus patent presents a significant business opportunity in the rapidly growing market for flexible display technology. The market opportunity size is substantial, with applications spanning consumer electronics, automotive, healthcare, and other industries. The competitive advantages include improved durability, controlled bending, and enhanced user experience. The revenue potential is high, as manufacturers can differentiate their products by incorporating this advanced flexible display technology. Potential business models include licensing the patent to display manufacturers or integrating the technology into proprietary products. The strategic positioning involves targeting high-end consumer electronics and automotive markets, where the demand for innovative and reliable flexible displays is strong. ROI projections are favorable, as the technology reduces the risk of display failure and extends the lifespan of flexible devices.","faqs":null,"topics":["flexible displays","bending control","electronic apparatus","display technology","foldable devices","technical","display","electronic"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"Display Unit and Electronic Apparatus - Patent US-9854667","description":"Discover the Display Unit and Electronic Apparatus patent for flexible displays with controlled bending. Analysis, claims, and technical details available.","keywords":["flexible displays","bending control","electronic apparatus","display technology","foldable devices","patent","patent US-9854667"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854667","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854667","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Display unit and electronic apparatus\" (US-9854667). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854667","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854667","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854667","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-31T11:41:24.428Z"}