Foldable Display Protection Structure for Impact Buffering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face damage to their flexible displays due to self-movement during folding and unfolding, and external impacts, which can be exacerbated by interlayer slip and insufficient buffering, compromising the device's slimness and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A display protection structure is implemented with a metal sheet layer positioned closer to the inner side walls of the housings than the display panel, providing a buffering action against external impacts and minimizing interlayer slip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a space is increased for receiving interlayer slip and self-movement of the flexible display, then the display damage is reduced, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the metal sheet layer closer to the inner side walls than the display panel, creating a pre-configured buffer zone. This metal sheet layer acts as a cushion that absorbs impact forces before they reach the display panel, eliminating the need for additional buffer spaces while maintaining display protection during folding operations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible display is allowed to self-move during folding and unfolding, then the display flexibility is improved, but the display panel may collide with housing walls during external impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the metal sheet layer as an intermediary element between the display panel and the housing inner side walls. This intermediary layer allows the flexible display to maintain its self-movement capability during folding while simultaneously preventing direct collision between the display panel and housing walls during external impacts, as the metal sheet layer absorbs and distributes the impact forces
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 metal sheet layer effectively prevents display panel damage from external impacts by absorbing the force, maintaining the device's structural integrity and slim profile.
Implementation Method 1
the metal sheet layer is disposed to at least partially overlap the display panel and is disposed closer to the inner side walls of the first housing and the second housing than the display panel... the metal sheet layer effectively prevents display panel damage from external impacts by absorbing the force
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device includes a hinge module; a first housing, a second housing, and a flexible display. The first housing is connected to the hinge module. The second housing is connected to the hinge module. The flexible display is disposed through at least a portion of the first and second housings. The flexible display includes a display panel includes a first surface facing in a first direction and a second surface facing in a direction opposite, when the electronic device is in an unfolded state. The flexible display also includes a window layer disposed at the first surface and a metal sheet layer. The display panel, the window layer, and the metal sheet layer are disposed so that a separation distance between the display panel, the window layer, and the metal sheet layer and inner side walls of the first and second housings and generates different interlayer slips.