Foldable Display Edge Protection Structure for Hinge Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face issues with display protection due to the absence of a rigid structure, leading to exposure risks and potential malfunctions from foreign substances and physical damage at the hinge area.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design incorporating a hinge structure with protection covers and a protective cap that surrounds the display periphery, using a combination of polymer and metal materials to prevent exposure and damage, and a blocking member that covers the display periphery in the folding region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display is fixed to the housing structures with a protective layer in foldable electronic devices, then the display can be folded with the housing structures, but the periphery of the display is exposed through the disconnection space at the hinge structure
Solution Approach 1:
A protection cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the display and the external environment. The protection cover extends into the disconnection space at the hinge structure, sealing the exposed periphery of the display without interfering with the folding operation. This mediator prevents foreign substances from reaching the display while maintaining the adaptability of the foldable device.
2Ease of operation
If the protection covers are disconnected to provide freedom for the hinge structure, then the hinge can rotate freely during folding, but the display periphery becomes exposed and vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover is segmented into multiple parts: a main body portion that protects the display in the unfolded state, and an extended portion that reaches into the disconnection space at the hinge. This segmentation allows the protection cover to maintain display protection while accommodating the hinge's rotational freedom, as each segment can move independently during folding operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If no rigid structure is used for display protection in foldable devices, then the display can be folded, but the display is vulnerable to physical damage from fingernails or sharp tools
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover is designed as a flexible structure that can bend and deform during folding operations. This flexible shell provides continuous protection against physical damage from fingernails or sharp tools while accommodating the foldable nature of the device. The flexible material absorbs stress and prevents direct contact between external objects and the display surface.
4Reliability
If a protection structure is added to cover the display periphery in the folding region, then the display is protected from foreign substances and physical damage, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the display from foreign substances, prevents physical damage from sharp objects, seals the disconnection space at the hinge, and maintains aesthetic appearance. By consolidating these multiple protection functions into a single integrated structure, the design achieves comprehensive display protection without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device is provided, which includes a hinge structure corresponding to a folding region of electronic device; a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure, and including a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a first side member surrounding a first space between the first surface and the second surface; a second housing structure connected to the hinge structure, and including a third surface, a fourth surface facing away from the third surface, and a second side member surrounding a second space between the third surface and the fourth surface, wherein the first housing structure and the second housing structure fold and unfold about the hinge structure, wherein the first surface and the third surface face a same direction in an unfolded state, and wherein the second surface and the fourth surface face opposite directions in a folded state; a display that traverses at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the third surface through the folding region; a first protection cover disposed in the first housing structure on at least some of a periphery of the display; a second protection cover disposed in the second housing structure on at least some of the periphery of the display; and a protection structure that protects the periphery of the display in the folding region.