Foldable Display Edge Protection Around the Hinge Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face issues with display protection due to the absence of a rigid structure, leading to exposure of the display edges, which can result in foreign substance ingress, damage from fingernail or sharp tool manipulation, and squashing due to gaps between the display and hinge structure, causing malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design incorporating a protective cap and blocking member structure that covers the display periphery, using a polymer or metal material, with a specific size determined by the display's radius of curvature, to prevent damage and foreign substance ingress, and alleviate stress concentration during folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display periphery is exposed through the disconnection space to provide freedom for the hinge structure, then the hinge structure gains folding freedom, but the display becomes vulnerable to foreign substance ingress and damage
Solution Approach 1:
A protection cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the display and the external environment. The protection cover includes a disconnection space that mirrors the hinge structure's freedom requirements while simultaneously providing a protective barrier that prevents foreign substance ingress and damage to the display periphery
Solution Approach 2:
The protection cover is designed as a flexible structure that can accommodate the folding motion of the hinge. The cover includes a disconnection space that allows the hinge structure to move freely while the cover material itself provides continuous protection against external harmful factors
2Device complexity
If the display periphery is exposed without protection, then the structure remains simple, but the display is susceptible to user manipulation damage from fingernails or sharp tools
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover serves as a mediator between the user's fingers/tools and the display surface. It provides a sacrificial protective layer that absorbs mechanical stress from fingernails and sharp tools, preventing direct contact with and damage to the display while adding minimal structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The protection cover is positioned beforehand to cover the display periphery, providing preventive cushioning against potential mechanical damage. The cover absorbs impact forces before they can reach the display, ensuring display integrity without requiring complex active protection mechanisms
3Adaptability or versatility
If there is a gap between the display and hinge structure, then the hinge can fold freely, but squashing occurs causing display malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover acts as an intermediary structure that spans the gap between the display and hinge structure. It allows the hinge to fold freely by accommodating the disconnection space while simultaneously supporting the display periphery to prevent squashing and maintain display functionality during folding operations
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device is provided, which includes a hinge structure corresponding to a folding region of electronic device; a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure, and including a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a first side member surrounding a first space between the first surface and the second surface; a second housing structure connected to the hinge structure, and including a third surface, a fourth surface facing away from the third surface, and a second side member surrounding a second space between the third surface and the fourth surface, wherein the first housing structure and the second housing structure fold and unfold about the hinge structure, wherein the first surface and the third surface face a same direction in an unfolded state, and wherein the second surface and the fourth surface face opposite directions in a folded state; a display that traverses at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the third surface through the folding region; a first protection cover disposed in the first housing structure on at least some of a periphery of the display; a second protection cover disposed in the second housing structure on at least some of the periphery of the display; and a protection structure that protects the periphery of the display in the folding region.