Foldable Display Hinge Wiring Structure for Stress-Resilient Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with foldable displays face challenges in maintaining the integrity and functionality of the flexible display during folding and unfolding, particularly in managing the stress and strain on the display components and ensuring seamless integration with the housing structure.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design featuring a foldable housing with symmetrical housing structures, a hinge cover, and a flexible display that accommodates curvature changes, along with a bracket assembly and wiring system to manage stress and maintain connectivity during folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable display is integrated into a housing structure, then the device achieves transformability between flat and folded states, but the display components experience stress and strain that may compromise integrity and functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing a folding support structure that provides mechanical support to the display before and during the folding process. This support structure prevents excessive stress and strain on the display components by distributing the mechanical load, thereby protecting the display's integrity while enabling transformability between flat and folded states
Solution Approach 2:
The folding support structure acts as an intermediary between the housing structures and the display. It mediates the mechanical stress by providing a dedicated support mechanism that handles the folding motion, thereby protecting the display components from direct stress and strain while enabling the transformability function
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display is made flexible to accommodate folding, then the device achieves foldability, but maintaining electrical connectivity during folding becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic support structure that moves and adjusts during the folding process. The folding support structure changes its configuration to maintain proper support and electrical connectivity throughout the transition from flat to folded state, ensuring reliable connectivity while enabling foldability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple parts that can move independently during folding. This segmentation allows the structure to accommodate the folding motion while maintaining continuous support and electrical connectivity across the joint between housing structures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design ensures minimal damage to the display and maintains electrical connectivity while allowing smooth transitions between flat and folded states, enhancing the durability and usability of the device.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member disposed in the hinge cover and configured to exert an elastic force on the folding shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device device comprising a housing including a hinge cover, a first bracket, and a second bracket configured to face the first bracket in a fully folded state. The device further comprises a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) accommodated in the housing such that a first region of the FPCB is exposed through a first opening, a second region of the FPCB is exposed through a second opening, and a third region of the FPCB between the first region and the second region is disposed in the hinge cover as bended, the FPCB including a metal plate covering a portion of a rear surface of the first region such that, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the flexible display, the metal plate is overlapped with a portion of a lateral periphery of the hinge cover when the housing is folded or unfolded.