Flexible Display Cover Sheet and Support Plate for Fold Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with large-screen displays face challenges in balancing portability and usability, particularly in accommodating flexible displays that can be folded or unfolded without compromising structural integrity and display functionality.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a flexible display with a first and second housing connected by a hinge structure, featuring a support plate and cover sheet to manage deformation of the display area along the folding axis, ensuring durability and protection against foreign substances during rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a flexible display is made foldable to enhance portability, then the device can be compacted into a smaller form, but the structural integrity and durability of the display are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoiddisplay structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display is divided into multiple display areas (first, second, and third display areas) with distinct functional characteristics. The third display area is specifically designed as a flexible foldable portion while the first and second display areas maintain rigid structures, allowing the display to be segmented into rigid and flexible zones that work together to maintain overall integrity during folding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cover sheet is introduced as an intermediary protective layer between the flexible third display area and the external environment. This cover sheet protects the fragile flexible display area from damage during folding and unfolding operations, thereby maintaining structural integrity while enabling the foldable functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the display area is extended along the folding axis to increase screen real estate, then the display functionality is enhanced, but the risk of damage to the flexible portion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay area sizeVSAvoiddamage risk to flexible portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover sheet serves as a protective intermediary that covers the third display area extending along the folding axis. This protective layer shields the extended flexible display area from external damage while allowing the display to achieve increased screen real estate without compromising the safety of the flexible portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover sheet is implemented as a flexible thin film that conforms to the curvature of the third display area during folding. This flexible protective shell protects the extended display area while maintaining flexibility and allowing the display to bend without damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a cover sheet is added to protect the flexible display area, then protection against foreign substances is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against foreign substancesVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover sheet is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the third display area from foreign substances, provides structural support during folding, and maintains the aesthetic appearance of the device. By making this single component multi-functional, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the hinge structure allows greater rotation angle range to improve flexibility, then the folding capability is enhanced, but the risk of damage to the display edges increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding flexibilityVSAvoiddisplay edge durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover sheet acts as a protective intermediary that shields the display edges during high-angle rotation and folding operations. This protective layer allows the hinge structure to achieve greater rotation angles while preventing direct contact and damage to the vulnerable display edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover sheet is positioned beforehand to cushion and protect the display edges before damage can occur during folding. This preemptive protective measure allows the hinge to achieve extended rotation ranges while the cover sheet absorbs or prevents damage to the display edges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250358945A1Electronic device including flexible display

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing rotatable to the first housing with respect to a folding axis, a flexible display including a first display area disposed on the first housing, a second display area disposed on the second housing, and a third display area that is deformed based on the second housing rotated with respect to the first housing, a cover sheet disposed along at least a portion of an edge of the third display area intersecting the folding axis, and a support plate located below the cover sheet to support the cover sheet, and extending from at least a portion of the edge along the folding axis. In addition, various embodiments is possible.