Foldable Display Hole Segmentation for Module Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in expanding the active area while maintaining product reliability, particularly in ensuring that electronic modules and light blocking patterns do not interfere with each other during folding and unfolding operations.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a display panel, a cushion member, an electronic module inserted into a hole defined by the display panel and the cushion member, and a light blocking pattern disposed on the electronic module with the display panel in between. The light blocking pattern is spaced apart from the viewing angle area, and the hole includes multiple hole portions with different widths to accommodate folding tolerances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the active area is expanded in foldable electronic devices, then the display area and functionality are improved, but the risk of interference between electronic modules and light blocking patterns during folding operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive areaVSAvoidproduct reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hole is divided into multiple hole portions (first hole portion in display panel, second hole portion in cushion member, third hole portion in plate) with different widths, creating segmented clearance zones that accommodate folding tolerances and prevent interference between electronic modules and light blocking patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cushion member is disposed between the display panel and the plate, providing a cushioning layer that absorbs folding stresses and maintains spacing between the electronic module and light blocking pattern during folding and unfolding operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Area of stationary object

If the electronic module is positioned close to the light blocking pattern to maximize active area, then the display area is expanded, but interference between components occurs during folding operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive areaVSAvoidinterference between electronic module and light blocking pattern

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hole structure is segmented into multiple portions with different widths at different locations, creating graduated clearance zones that allow the electronic module to be positioned close to the light blocking pattern while maintaining sufficient spacing to prevent interference during folding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion member acts as an intermediary element between the display panel and the plate, maintaining spacing between the electronic module and light blocking pattern without requiring excessive clearance, thus maximizing active area while preventing interference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12293683B2Electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.05.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device including a display panel, a cushion member disposed below the display panel, an electronic module inserted into a hole defined by the display panel and the cushion member, and a light blocking pattern disposed on the electronic module with the display panel therebetween. The electronic module is spaced apart from a sidewall configured to define the hole in a first state in which the display panel and the cushion member are folded and a second state in which the display panel and the cushion member are unfolded.