Foldable Display Protection Layer for Dust-Blocking Plate Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foreign substances, such as dust, can enter the space between a flexible display and a support plate when a foldable electronic device is folded, potentially causing defects on the display.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device is designed with a protection layer between two plates that are attached to the flexible display, ensuring they remain in contact with the display in the unfolded state and separate in the folded state, covering the space to prevent foreign substances from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support plate is attached only to some areas of the flexible display to allow pivoting, then the flexibility and portability of the device is improved, but foreign substances can enter the space between the display and support plate causing defects
Solution Approach 1:
A protection layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible display and the support plate. This protection layer covers the space that would otherwise be exposed when the support plate pivots away from the display, preventing foreign substances from entering while allowing the support plate to maintain its pivoting motion for folding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection layer is implemented as a thin film structure that can flex and move with the display and support plate during pivoting. This thin film covers the exposed space to prevent contamination while maintaining the flexibility and motion requirements of the foldable device.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the support plate remains in contact with the flexible display during pivoting, then the display is protected from foreign substances, but the operation trace of the flexible display is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The protection layer serves as a mediator that separates the protection function from the support plate. The support plate can pivot freely to enable folding operations, while the protection layer independently covers the space to prevent foreign substance entry, thus resolving the conflict between protection and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection function is segmented from the support plate structure. Instead of relying on the support plate to provide both structural support and protection, the protection function is assigned to a separate protection layer, allowing the support plate to focus on enabling folding operations while the protection layer handles contamination prevention.
3Reliability
If a protection layer is added to prevent foreign substances from entering, then the reliability of the flexible display is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection layer is implemented as a thin film structure that adds minimal complexity compared to rigid protective structures. This thin film approach provides effective protection against foreign substances while maintaining a simple and lightweight design suitable for foldable devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection layer is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing it to move and flex with the display and support plate during pivoting operations. This dynamic design enables the protection layer to adapt to changing spatial relationships without requiring complex mechanical structures or additional actuation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a connection structure; a flexible display; a first plate including at least a portion disposed on a lower end of a first area of the display and a first periphery; a second plate including at least a portion disposed on a lower end of a second area of the display, and a second periphery; and a protection layer. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first periphery and the second periphery are configured to be in contact with the display. When the electronic device pivots from the unfolded state to a folded state, the first periphery and the second periphery are configured to be spaced apart from the display, and the protection layer is configured to cover an area of the display exposed between the first periphery and the second periphery.