Elastic Hinge Support for Foldable Displays Under Cold Folding Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices experience deformation and damage due to the formation of air gaps under the bending area of the flexible display, especially when subjected to repeated folding and unfolding operations and low temperatures.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an elastic member with high thermal conductivity into the air gap formed under the bending area of the flexible display, and using a pressing mechanism integrated with the hinge module to support the bending area in the unfolded state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the flexible display is folded, then the device can be compacted, but air gaps form under the bending area causing deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoiddisplay deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic member is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible display and the hinge cover. This elastic member fills the air gap that forms during folding operations and provides continuous support to the bending area, preventing deformation while allowing the device to maintain its compact folded state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic member changes its physical parameters (compression and expansion) in response to the folding state. When the device is folded, the elastic member compresses to fill the air gap; when unfolded, it expands to provide support. This dynamic parameter change allows the system to adapt to different operational states without compromising display stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the device is folded repeatedly, then the device is portable, but deformation such as wrinkles or bending occurs in the bending area

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddisplay integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is positioned in advance within the air gap under the bending area to provide preemptive support. Before deformation can occur during folding operations, the elastic member is already in place to cushion and support the flexible display, preventing wrinkles and bending damage from repeated folding cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the device operates in low temperature environments, then the device is versatile, but cold air in the air gap causes damage to the flexible display

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidtemperature damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member acts as a mediator that blocks cold air from directly contacting the flexible display in the air gap. By filling this space, the elastic member prevents cold air infiltration that would otherwise cause temperature-related damage, allowing the device to operate reliably in low temperature environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If the elastic member is pressed in the unfolded state, then the bending area is supported, but the pressing mechanism adds complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending area supportVSAvoidpressing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressing mechanism is merged with the existing hinge module structure. The hinge module's components are utilized to provide the pressing force on the elastic member, eliminating the need for a separate, independent pressing mechanism. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the necessary support function for the bending area.

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

The elastic member prevents deformation of the flexible display by providing support and reduces temperature deviations, thereby preventing damage from cold temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic member provided in a gap formed between at least a portion of the flexible display and the hinge cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the first pressing part and the second pressing part press a first side and a second side of the elastic member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

an elastic member with high thermal conductivity in a space (e.g., an air gap) formed under a bending area (e.g., folding area) of the flexible display and by reducing the temperature deviation of the space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12341917B2Foldable electronic device comprising elastic means

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A foldable electronic device includes: a first hinge module; a first pressing part, a first support member, a first housing, each at least partially connected to the first hinge module; a second hinge module; a second pressing part, a second support member, a second housing, each at least partially connected to the second hinge module; a flexible display disposed on the first support member and the second support member; a hinge cover covering the first hinge module and the second hinge module; and an elastic member provided in a gap formed between at least a portion of the flexible display and the hinge cover.