Foldable Conductive Plate for Display Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face issues with foreign materials entering between separate conductive plates during folding, leading to display defects and operational malfunctions, which compromise the reliability and durability of the device.
Innovation Solution
A foldable conductive plate design that integrates a flexible portion with conductive elastic members, allowing the plate to bend with the display and prevent foreign material entry, while maintaining electrical connectivity and flexibility to match folding characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate conductive plates are disposed in each housing structure, then the device can accommodate the folding movement of the hinge structure, but foreign materials can enter between the conductive plates causing display defects and folding marks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate conductive plates into a single integrated foldable conductive plate that spans both first and second housing structures. This unified structure eliminates the gap between separate plates where foreign materials could enter, while still accommodating the folding movement through its flexible portion that bends at the hinge location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible portion in the conductive plate that can bend and deform to match the folding characteristics of the hinge structure. This flexible section allows the plate to follow the folding movement while maintaining continuous coverage, preventing foreign material ingress and avoiding folding marks on the display.
2Reliability
If a single conductive plate is used across both housing structures, then foreign material entry is prevented, but the plate must be flexible enough to accommodate folding which complicates the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive plate is segmented into distinct functional regions: first flat portions that remain planar in the housing structures, a flexible portion that bends at the hinge, and second flat portions in the second housing structure. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the conductive plate have different physical properties tailored to their specific functions. The flat portions provide rigid electrical connection and shielding, while the flexible portion provides bendability to accommodate folding. This localized differentiation achieves the required functionality without overall structural complexity.
3Strength
If the conductive plate is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then shielding and support functions are improved, but the plate cannot accommodate folding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive plate transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can change its configuration. The flexible portion enables the plate to adapt its shape during folding operations, allowing the rigid flat portions to maintain structural integrity and shielding function while the flexible section provides the necessary adaptability for folding movements.
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
Enhances the reliability of the display by preventing foreign material ingress and reducing the risk of folding-related malfunctions, while allowing for flexible adjustment to various folding states, thus improving operational reliability and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible portion configured to connect the first flat portion and the second flat portion and disposed to be bendable
Implementation Method 2
capable of assisting in reinforcing rigidity by supporting the display, and provided for the purpose of shielding noise
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a hinge, a first housing connected to the hinge, a second housing connected to the hinge so as to fold the first housing, and a display disposed to receive support of at least a portion of the second housing from at least a portion of the first housing through the hinge. The display includes a display panel, at least one polymer member disposed at a rear surface of the display panel, and a conductive plate disposed at a rear surface of the at least one polymer member. The conductive plate includes a first flat portion facing the first housing, a second flat portion facing the second housing, and a flexible portion configured to connect the first flat portion and the second flat portion and disposed to be bendable. The flexible portion includes support pieces spaced apart from each other through slits, and a conductive elastic member configured to connect electrically and physically the first flat portion, the support pieces, and the second flat portion.