Foldable Display Reinforcement Structure for Impact Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing deformable electronic devices lack effective protection for their flexible displays, particularly in scenarios where the display area changes shape, leading to potential damage from impacts.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a display with a folding portion connected by a folding axis, supported by a plate with adhesive members and a reinforcing member to absorb and distribute impact forces, enhancing structural rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a deformable flexible display is used to change the display area size, then the adaptability of the electronic device is improved, but the display becomes more vulnerable to impact damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay area sizeVSAvoidimpact damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A reinforcing member is pre-installed at the folding portion of the display to provide impact protection before damage can occur. This cushioning element absorbs and distributes impact forces, protecting the flexible display from harmful effects while maintaining its deformable functionality for changing display area sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective structure combines the flexible display material with a rigid reinforcing member at the folding portion. This composite construction integrates the adaptability of flexible materials with the impact resistance of rigid materials, resolving the contradiction between deformability and impact vulnerability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive members are used to attach the plate to the display, then the structural integrity is improved, but the rigidity at the folding portion may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidrigidity at folding portion

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing member is specifically positioned at the folding portion where rigidity is most needed, while adhesive members are used at other areas to maintain structural integrity. This local differentiation of structural properties allows the display to maintain both overall stability and localized strength at the vulnerable folding area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4715517A1Electronic device comprising display

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. According to an embodiment, the electronic device comprises: a display including a first planar portion, a second planar portion which is spaced apart from the first planar portion, and a folding portion which connects the first planar portion to the second planar portion and can be folded; a plate including a first portion which is attached to the first planar portion, and a second portion which is spaced apart from the first portion and attached to the second planar portion; a plurality of adhesive members including a first adhesive member which is interposed between the first planar portion and the first portion, a second adhesive member which is interposed between the second planar portion and the second portion, and a third adhesive member which is disconnected from the first adhesive member and the second adhesive member; and a first reinforcement member which is attached to the folding portion by the third adhesive member.