Flexible Display Sweeper Member for Foldable Device Gap Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In foldable or rollable electronic devices, foreign substances can enter through the gap between mechanical structures, causing damage to the mechanical structures and electronic components like the display due to friction or interference.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a flexible display and a sweeper member that slides along the inside of a second structure, attached to the end of the flexible display, to block and remove foreign substances during folding or rolling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap is maintained between mechanical structures to enable smooth relative movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but foreign substances can enter through the gap causing damage to mechanical structures and electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
A sweeper member is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second structures. The sweeper member actively removes foreign substances from the gap area during relative movement, mediating between the need for movement and the need to prevent contamination. This resolves the contradiction by adding a protective function without eliminating the operational gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The sweeper member is attached to the flexible display and automatically performs the cleaning function during the normal folding/rolling operation itself. The system uses its own movement to activate the protective action, eliminating the need for separate protective mechanisms while maintaining both smooth operation and contamination prevention.
2Reliability
If foreign substances are blocked from entering the device, then the reliability is improved, but the gap between mechanical structures must be reduced or eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than eliminating the gap or adding complex sealing structures, the sweeper member acts as an active intermediary that cleans foreign substances during normal operation. This maintains the operational gap while providing reliability through active contamination removal rather than passive blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive mechanical sealing approaches with an active cleaning mechanism. Instead of trying to mechanically block foreign substances (which would compromise movement), the system uses a sweeper to actively remove contaminants, substituting a mechanical sealing system with a mechanical cleaning system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible display is allowed to move freely during folding or rolling, then the adaptability is improved, but foreign substances can cause damage due to friction or interference
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible display's own folding and rolling motion activates the sweeper member to clean foreign substances during the adaptability-enabling movement itself. The system uses its inherent motion to provide protection, maintaining full folding/rolling capability while preventing damage through self-activated cleaning during each operational cycle.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may comprise: a first structure; a second structure accommodating at least a portion of the first structure and guiding sliding motion of the first structure; a flexible display including a first area connected to the first structure, and a second area extending from the first area and capable of bending; and a sweeper member attached to one end portion of the second area of the flexible display and formed to slidably move along the inside of the second structure in response to the sliding motion of the flexible display.