Bonded Cover Member for Foldable Display Edge Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices face issues with gaps between the display and protection structures, leading to potential damage, aesthetic compromise, and entry of foreign materials or user injury, especially when folded or dropped.

Innovation Solution

A display protection structure is implemented with a cover member and protection member bonded by layers, covering the edges of the display and housing to prevent gaps and enhance aesthetics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gap is left between the display and protection structure, then damage to the display is decreased, but device aesthetics are compromised and foreign materials may enter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay protectionVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

A cover member is introduced as an intermediary component between the display and the protection structure. This cover member extends from the display toward the protection structure, filling the gap while maintaining protection functionality and improving aesthetics by creating a seamless appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a gap is left between the display and protection structure, then damage to the display is decreased, but user safety is compromised due to finger entrapment risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay protectionVSAvoiduser injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover member serves as a mediator that eliminates the dangerous gap between the display and protection structure. By extending continuously from the display, it prevents user fingers from becoming trapped while maintaining the protective function of the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If the display is tightly secured to the protection structure, then device aesthetics are improved, but the display may slip or move when folded or dropped

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaestheticsVSAvoiddisplay stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The protective structure is segmented into multiple functional components: the display, the cover member extending from the display, and the separate protection structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the cover member provides aesthetic coverage while the protection structure maintains protection, with the hinge allowing controlled movement during folding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge structure enables dynamic movement between the display and protection structure during folding operations. This controlled dynamic behavior allows the display to move relative to the protection structure during normal use while maintaining aesthetic appearance, and provides a safety mechanism during drops or accidental folding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution effectively prevents damage to the display edges, maintains device aesthetics, and blocks foreign intrusions while ensuring seamless integration of components.

Implementation Method 1

a first bonding layer stacked on a first base surface of the base layer facing the protection member, and which bonds the base layer to the protection member; and a second bonding layer stacked on a second base surface opposite to the first base surface, and which bonds the base layer to the side surface of the foldable housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4357879B1Electronic device comprising display protection structure
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4357879B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4357879B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4357879B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An electronic device includes a display including a first area and a second area; a foldable housing including a first housing which supports the first area and a second housing which supports the second area; a hinge structure which connects the first housing and the second housing to be foldable relative to each other on a folding axis between a first state in which the first area and the second area are substantially coplanar, and a second state in which the first area and the second area face each other; and a protection structure provided on the display. At least a portion of the protection structure is included in the foldable housing, wherein the foldable housing may further include a front surface, a rear surface opposite to the front surface, and a side surface which encloses an inner space between the front surface and the rear surface. The protection structure, from a perspective facing the front surface of the foldable housing in the first state, covers at least some of a space between the display and the side surface of the foldable housing.