Foldable Display Magnet Shielding for Stable Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining a stable folded state and protecting internal components from damage due to bending, particularly in flexible displays with multiple layers.

Innovation Solution

A foldable electronic device design incorporating a flexible display with a first and second housing part rotatable about a folding axis, featuring a flexible third display region, electromagnetic induction panels, magnets for maintaining the folded state, and a shielding and waterproof member to protect internal components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If magnets are disposed below the flexible display to maintain folded state, then the folded state stability is improved, but the risk of magnetic field interference with electromagnetic induction panel increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolded state stabilityVSAvoidmagnetic field interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shielding member is introduced as an intermediary component between the magnet and the electromagnetic induction panel. The shielding member, positioned in the second layer, blocks or redirects magnetic field lines, preventing direct interaction between the magnet's magnetic field and the electromagnetic induction panel, thus eliminating interference while preserving the magnet's ability to maintain folded state stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple layers are used in flexible display, then the display functionality is improved, but the vulnerability to bending damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay functionalityVSAvoidbending damage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a waterproof member that at least partially surrounds the shielding member and provides protective coverage. This waterproof member acts as a cushioning layer that protects the shielding member and underlying components from bending-induced damage before such damage can occur, thereby enhancing reliability while maintaining the multi-layer display functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If shielding member is added to protect from magnetic interference, then the electromagnetic interference protection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic interference protectionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding member is merged with the second layer of the flexible display structure, and the waterproof member is designed to at least partially surround the shielding member. This integration approach combines multiple protective functions into a unified structural arrangement, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining electromagnetic interference protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 effectively maintains a stable folded state while safeguarding internal components from damage, enhancing durability and functionality of the flexible display.

Implementation Method 1

The second magnet may be configured to be paired with the first magnet to maintain a folded state of the foldable electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The shielding member may be disposed between the second magnet and a portion of the electromagnetic induction panel positioned above the second magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4715519A1Foldable electronic device including flexible display
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4715519A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4715519A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4715519A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

This foldable electronic device comprises: a housing including a first housing part and a second housing part; a flexible display including a first display portion, a second display portion, and a third display portion; a first layer including an electromagnetic induction panel disposed below the first display portion; a second layer contacting the second display portion; a first magnet; and a second magnet. The second layer includes: a shielding member interposed between the second magnet and a portion of the electromagnetic induction panel and including a shielding sheet; and a waterproof member at least partially surrounding the shielding member and including a waterproof body.