Foldable Display Protection Layer for Dust-Blocking Hinge Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face issues as foreign substances, such as dust, can enter the gap between the display and the support plate during folding, leading to potential defects.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design featuring a protection layer that covers the gap between the first and second plates when the device is folded, preventing foreign substances from contacting the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
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 during folding, preventing foreign substances from entering while allowing the display to pivot freely. The protection layer is attached to the support plate and extends to cover the display area, creating a barrier against contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection layer is implemented as a thin film structure that can flex and move with the display during folding operations. This thin film covers the vulnerable space between the display and support plate, preventing dust and foreign substances from entering while maintaining the flexibility needed for the device to pivot from unfolded to folded states.
2Reliability
If the protection layer is added to prevent foreign substances from entering, then the reliability of the display is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection layer is implemented as a thin film structure that can flex and move with the display during folding operations. This thin film covers the vulnerable space between the display and support plate, preventing dust and foreign substances from entering while maintaining the flexibility needed for the device to pivot from unfolded to folded states.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection layer is divided into multiple regions: a first region attached to the support plate and a second region that covers the flexible display. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function - the first region provides attachment and stability, while the second region provides coverage and protection during folding operations.
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.