Foldable Electronic Device Waterproof Structure for Hinge Gap Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices face challenges in preventing the introduction of foreign materials due to unfixed structures, necessitating improved waterproofing and dustproofing to enhance durability and usability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating waterproof members made of waterproof materials between housing components and a flexible display, along with adhesive members and support structures, to create a sealed environment that prevents the ingress of foreign materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If a foldable flexible display is disposed over the entire area of the housing structure, then the display area and versatility are improved, but the housing structure becomes unfixed and spaces between components are formed allowing foreign material introduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidwaterproofing performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible waterproof films disposed between the flexible display and housing components to prevent foreign material ingress. These thin film barriers conform to the flexible display while maintaining waterproofing, resolving the contradiction between large display area and reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces waterproof members as intermediary elements between the flexible display and housing components. These intermediaries fill spaces and seal gaps without compromising the flexible display's functionality, thereby preventing foreign material introduction while maintaining the unfolded housing structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used in the foldable part, then the adaptability and functionality are improved, but spaces are formed between components allowing foreign materials to be introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidforeign material introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Flexible waterproof films are positioned between multiple components in the foldable assembly, creating continuous barriers that prevent foreign material introduction while allowing the components to maintain their individual functionalities and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs nested waterproof members that fit within spaces between components, with each waterproof element positioned within the assembly structure to seal specific gaps, thereby preventing foreign material ingress without compromising component functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If waterproof members are added to prevent foreign material introduction, then the waterproofing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproofing performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flexible waterproof films that can be disposed in conforming layers between components, providing effective waterproofing without requiring complex rigid sealing structures. This maintains reliability while minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproofing system is segmented into multiple discrete waterproof members positioned at specific locations between components. This segmentation allows each waterproof element to be optimized independently while collectively providing comprehensive protection, balancing waterproofing performance with structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250211667A1Electronic device with waterproof structure

Publication Date: 2025.06.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the disclosure may include: a first housing, a second housing, a hinge assembly comprising a hinge disposed between the first housing and the second housing, and including a hinge plate and a hinge module disposed at both ends of the hinge plate in a longitudinal direction of the hinge plate, a first circuit board disposed in the first housing, a second circuit board disposed in the second housing, a flexible display disposed on the first housing, the second housing, and the hinge assembly, a first waterproof member comprising a waterproof material disposed between the first housing and the flexible display, a first adhesive member comprising an adhesive disposed between the hinge module and the flexible display, an electrical component disposed between the first waterproof member and the first adhesive member, an electrical component waterproof member comprising a waterproof material disposed between the electrical component and the flexible display, and a first support disposed between the electrical component waterproof member and the flexible display. An electrical component groove may be formed in the first housing, the electrical component may be disposed in an area of the first circuit board corresponding to the electrical component groove, and covered by the electrical component waterproof member, and a first electrical component hole coupled to the electrical component groove may be formed in a part of the first housing.