Foldable Display Hinge Blocking Structure Against Foreign Matter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face defects due to foreign substances penetrating through gaps between the hinge cover member and the lower cover members, leading to potential damage and image distortion.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a hinge member with a groove and curved portions that minimize the distance between the metal members and the hinge member, along with blocking members that rotate about a neutral plane, creating a minimal gap that prevents foreign substances from entering when the display panel is folded or unfolded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hinge cover member and lower cover member are disposed in a foldable display device to protect the display panel, then the protection capability is improved, but gaps between these cover members allow foreign substances to penetrate and cause defects
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge member includes a curved portion that faces the blocking member when the display panel is unfolded. This curved geometry allows the blocking member to closely follow the contour of the hinge member, minimizing gaps and preventing foreign substances from penetrating into the folding portion while maintaining protection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A blocking member is introduced as an intermediary element disposed between the hinge member and the display panel. This blocking member specifically targets and blocks the penetration path of foreign substances through gaps, enhancing protection without compromising the protective function of the cover members.
2Reliability
If the distance between the hinge member and display panel is reduced to prevent foreign substance penetration, then reliability is improved, but the structural complexity increases due to additional blocking members and curved geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is integrated with either the hinge member or the display panel structure, merging multiple functions into a single component. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the gap-minimizing function to prevent foreign substance penetration.
Data Source
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AI summary
A display device includes a display panel, a first metal member, a hinge member, and a first blocking member. The display panel includes a foldable area. The first metal member is disposed in a first portion on a bottom surface of the display panel. The hinge member overlaps the foldable area on a bottom surface of the first metal member, and includes a first curved portion having a first curvature. The first blocking member is disposed between the bottom surface of the first metal member and the first curved portion of the hinge member, and includes a first surface having the first curvature.