Foldable Display Protective Layer Groove Structure for Slim Bezels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with slim bezels are prone to damage from slipping and collisions during folding or external impacts, which can harm the protective layer and display.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design featuring a protective layer with inclined inner circumferential surfaces in grooves and protruding edges to prevent damage, along with housing decorations covering the edges, ensuring the protective layer's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If a slim bezel design is used in foldable electronic devices, then the display area is increased and aesthetics are improved, but the protective layer becomes vulnerable to damage during folding or external impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by creating a groove structure in the housing decoration that accommodates the protective layer's edge before damage occurs. The groove's inclined inner circumferential surface acts as a pre-positioned cushioning mechanism that absorbs impact forces during folding or external strikes, preventing the protective layer from contacting and damaging the housing structure. This allows the slim bezel design to maintain both aesthetic appeal and protective functionality.
2Reliability
If the protective layer extends beyond the display edges, then coverage and protection are improved, but the risk of collision with housing structure during folding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary groove structure between the protective layer and the housing structure. This groove acts as a mediator that receives the protective layer's edge and directs it away from the housing structure during folding movements. The inclined inner circumferential surface of the groove serves as a guiding path that prevents direct collision while maintaining the protective layer's extended coverage for comprehensive protection.
3Shape
If the housing decoration covers the protective layer edge, then aesthetics and slim bezel appearance are improved, but the protective layer may slip and collide with the housing structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by embedding the protective layer's edge within the groove structure of the housing decoration. The groove creates a nested configuration where the protective layer is housed within the recessed groove area, allowing the housing decoration to cover and aesthetically frame the protective layer edge while preventing it from slipping or colliding with the outer housing structure during folding or impact.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a display including: a folding area to be folded during a folding operation; and a first area and a second area at opposite sides with respect to a folding area extending in a first direction; a protective layer above the display, and including a first edge located around the first area, and a second edge located around the second area; and a first housing decoration corresponding to the first area and covering an upper surface of the first edge, the first housing decoration having an inner side surface in which a first groove is located. An inner circumferential surface of the first groove includes a first-1 inner circumferential surface facing the upper surface of the first edge, the first-1 inner circumferential surface being upwardly inclined with respect to a direction parallel to the first area, and the first edge is located in the first groove.