Foldable Display Hinge Protection Structure Against Edge Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges with display protection due to the absence of a rigid structure, leading to exposure risks and malfunction from foreign substances and physical stress at the hinge area, where the display is vulnerable to damage from external objects and deformation.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design incorporating a protective cap and blocking member structure that covers the display periphery at the hinge area, using a polymer or metal material to prevent exposure and deformation, with a specific size determination based on the display's curvature for optimal protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display is fixed to the housing structures with a protective layer in foldable electronic devices, then the display can be folded with the housing structures, but the periphery of the display is exposed through the disconnection space at the hinge structure, making it vulnerable to foreign substances and physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a protection cover that extends into the disconnection space at the hinge structure before foreign substances can cause damage. The protection cover is pre-positioned to cover the exposed periphery of the display, preventing foreign substances from entering the disconnection space and causing malfunction before they can affect the display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary element (protection cover) between the exposed display periphery and the harmful foreign substances. The protection cover acts as a mediator that blocks foreign substances from directly contacting the display edge, thereby preventing damage without interfering with the folding operation of the display itself.
2Ease of operation
If the protection covers are disconnected to provide freedom for the hinge structure during folding, then the hinge can rotate freely, but the disconnection space allows foreign substances to flow into the display area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the protection cover into multiple parts: a first protection cover on the first housing structure and a second protection cover on the second housing structure. These segmented protection covers are disconnected at the hinge structure to allow free rotation, yet each segment still provides protection in its respective area, maintaining reliability while enabling ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display periphery is exposed at the hinge structure, then the display can be folded, but the exposed area is vulnerable to damage from fingernails or sharp tools
Solution Approach 1:
The protection cover provides preliminary protection to the exposed display periphery before physical damage can occur. By extending the protection cover into the disconnection space, the vulnerable edges of the display are covered in advance, preventing damage from fingernails or sharp tools before they can contact the display.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid protective structure is added to protect the display periphery, then protection against foreign substances is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protection cover with the existing housing structures. The first protection cover is disposed on the first housing structure and the second protection cover is disposed on the second housing structure, integrating the protection function into the existing device structure rather than adding completely separate protective elements, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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.