Foldable Display Bezel Support Structure for Sag Prevention

Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible displays in foldable electronic devices are prone to damage and moisture/foreign material ingress due to bezel sagging and layer slipping during folding, which compromises the integrity and functionality of the display.

Innovation Solution

A foldable housing structure with integrated bezels and support brackets that maintain the gap between the display and bezel, preventing sagging and reducing damage or ingress, while supporting the display layers to prevent slipping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the bezel is made flexible to allow folding, then the device can be folded, but the bezel sags and contacts the display causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefoldabilityVSAvoiddisplay surface integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bezel is divided into multiple segments: a first bezel portion that flexes with the display, a gap portion that maintains spacing, and a second bezel portion that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the bezel to accommodate folding while preventing sagging contact with the display surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A support structure (such as a rigid beam or framework) is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible bezel and the display. This support structure prevents the bezel from sagging too much and contacting the display, while still allowing the bezel to flex during folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the bezel is kept rigid to prevent sagging, then the display is protected, but the bezel cannot accommodate folding movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay surface protectionVSAvoidfolding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bezel is divided into multiple segments: a first bezel portion that flexes with the display, a gap portion that maintains spacing, and a second bezel portion that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the bezel to accommodate folding while preventing sagging contact with the display surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bezel is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing certain portions to flex and move during folding while other portions remain relatively rigid to maintain structural support and prevent excessive sagging. This dynamic design enables the bezel to adapt to folding movements without compromising display protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If the bezel is positioned close to the display edge, then the device has a compact appearance, but gaps allow moisture and foreign materials to enter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidmoisture and foreign material ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure (such as a rigid beam or framework) is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible bezel and the display. This support structure prevents the bezel from sagging too much and contacting the display, while still allowing the bezel to flex during folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful gap between the bezel and display is addressed by introducing a protective element that fills or covers this gap, preventing moisture and foreign materials from entering through the space while maintaining the compact design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS20250271902A1Foldable electronic device including bezel sag preventing structure

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is disclosed. An electronic device may include: a foldable housing including a hinge, a first housing connected to the hinge and including a first surface oriented in a first direction and a second surface oriented in a second direction opposite the first direction, a second housing connected to the hinge and including a third surface oriented in a third direction and a fourth surface oriented in a fourth direction opposite the third direction, wherein the second housing is configured to be folded on the first housing about the hinge, and side surfaces surrounding at least a part of a space between the first surface and the second surface and at least a part of a space between the third surface and the fourth surface; and a display having ductility and extending from the first surface to the third surface to configure the first surface and the third surface, wherein the foldable housing is disposed along an edge of the display and includes bezels extending from respective side surfaces to an active area of the display, and wherein the bezels include, in an area configuring the first surface and the third surface of the foldable housing, extensions spaced apart from edge portions of the display, and support portions disposed between the edge of the display and the extensions to be in contact with the edge portions of the display.