Foldable Display Support Module for Curvature Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of electronic devices conflicts with the need for larger displays to support multimedia services, creating a trade-off that limits user experience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a foldable housing and a display support module that includes a gear assembly and deformation member to manage display curvature during folding and unfolding, using a cushioning member and metal member to protect the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the display size is increased to support multimedia services, then the display area is improved, but the device size increases and portability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible display that can dynamically change its configuration between folded and unfolded states. When unfolded, the display provides a large area for multimedia services; when folded, the device maintains a compact form factor for portability. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between display area and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible display is nested within the device housing in a folded state, allowing the large display area to be contained within a compact device volume. The display can be unfolded during use, effectively nesting the large area within the small device form factor when not in use.
2Volume of moving object
If the display is made flexible to enable folding, then the device compactness is improved, but the display reliability deteriorates due to potential breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a support structure with a cushioning member positioned beneath the flexible display at the folding area. This cushioning member provides beforehand protection by absorbing stress and preventing breakage when the display is folded or unfolded, thereby maintaining display reliability while enabling the compact folded configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary between the flexible display and the housing, providing mechanical support and stress distribution. This intermediary structure protects the display from direct contact with potential damage sources during folding operations.
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
The solution allows for increased display size without compromising device compactness, protecting the display from breakage and maintaining functionality across different states.
Implementation Method 1
a cushioning member facing the folding area and a metal member disposed under the cushioning member
Implementation Method 2
The deformation member includes a cushioning member facing the folding area and a metal member disposed under the cushioning member
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device may comprise: a housing comprising a first housing and a second housing; a display comprising a first display area connected to the first housing, a second display area connected to the second housing, and a folding area positioned between the first display area and the second display area; a hinge module connected to the first housing and to the second housing; and a display support module connected to the hinge module and configured to rotate on the basis of a rotation of the hinge module. The display support module may comprise: a case structure comprising a gear assembly connected to the hinge module, a first area connected to the gear assembly, a second area extending from the first area in a first direction, the second area being configured to face the folding area when the electronic device is unfolded, and a third area extending from the first area in a second direction different from the first direction, the third area being configured to face the folding area when the electronic device is folded; and a deformable member disposed in the third area and configured to contact the folding area.