Flexible Display Protective Cover for Rollable Edge Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In rollable electronic devices, the rollable display experiences slip between layers, leading to lifting of the display edge and vulnerability to external impact, particularly at the extension connecting to the flexible printed circuit board.

Innovation Solution

A protective cover is integrated between the fixed portion of the flexible display and the housing, creating a spaced first area to protect the extension from external impact and prevent lifting during roll-in/roll-out.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display is made rollable to enable transformation and larger display area, then the display functionality is improved, but the edge portion becomes vulnerable to external impact and layer slip occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay transformation capabilityVSAvoidedge portion durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A protective cover is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible display and the housing. This protective cover specifically protects the edge portion and extension of the flexible display from external impact during roll-in/roll-out operations, resolving the vulnerability caused by the rollable structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of moving object

If the extension is positioned close to the housing to save space, then the device structure is compact, but the extension is exposed to external impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidexternal impact on extension
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover serves as a mediator that allows the extension to be positioned close to the housing for compactness while simultaneously protecting it from external impact. The protective cover is disposed between the extension and the housing, creating a protective barrier without requiring additional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the protective cover contacts the extension directly to protect it, then impact protection is provided, but the extension may still be vulnerable during roll-in/roll-out movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextension protectionVSAvoidroll-in/roll-out smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is designed with differentiated regions: a first region that contacts the upper portion of the edge portion for protection and support during roll-in/roll-out, and a second region that provides spacing between the extension and the protective cover. This local quality differentiation ensures both protection and smooth operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective cover is pre-positioned to contact the upper portion of the edge portion before any impact or slip occurs during roll-in/roll-out. This preliminary positioning provides support and prevents layer slip and peeling at the edge portion before damage can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4336807B1Electronic apparatus including protective cover for protecting flexible display
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4336807B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4336807B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4336807B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device may include a first housing including an antenna provided on a side surface thereof, a second housing configured to slide in a first direction to be drawn out of the first housing and to slide in a direction opposite to the first direction to be drawn into the first housing, a flexible display including a first side comprising a fixed portion and a second side provided to be drawn out of an inside of the first housing or drawn into the inside of the first housing according to an operation of the second housing, and a protective cover provided between the fixed portion and the first housing to contact at least a portion of an upper portion of the fixed portion. A first space may be provided between the protective cover and a side portion of the fixed portion.