Foldable Flexible Display With Magnetic Shielding and Waterproofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining a stable folded state and protecting internal components from moisture and magnetic interference while ensuring flexibility and durability of the display.

Innovation Solution

A foldable electronic device design incorporating a flexible display with a first and second housing part connected by a hinge structure, featuring magnets to maintain the folded state, an electromagnetic induction panel, a shielding member to reduce magnetic interference, and a waterproof member to protect against moisture ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If magnets are used to maintain the folded state, then the stability of the folded state is improved, but magnetic interference with the electromagnetic induction panel increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of folded stateVSAvoidmagnetic 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 magnets and the electromagnetic induction panel. This shielding member blocks or reduces the magnetic field from reaching the panel, thereby maintaining the folded state stability while preventing magnetic interference with the display functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display is made bendable to enable folding, then the portability and adaptability are improved, but the durability and protection against moisture ingress deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of displayVSAvoidprotection against moisture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A waterproof member is introduced as a protective film or barrier layer that accompanies the flexible display structure. This waterproof member prevents moisture ingress while maintaining the bendable nature of the display, allowing the device to fold without compromising the display's durability or protection against environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If multiple protective layers are added to protect internal components, then the reliability and protection are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of internal componentsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding member and waterproof member are integrated into a unified multi-layer protective structure that combines magnetic shielding and moisture protection functions. By merging these protective functions into a coordinated layer system rather than separate independent components, the design achieves comprehensive protection while minimizing overall structural complexity.

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 the folded state, reduces magnetic interference, and enhances durability and protection against moisture, improving the overall performance and longevity 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 EffectMagnetic shielding: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12360561B2Foldable electronic device including flexible display
Publication Date: 2025.07.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12360561B2 patent drawing
  • US12360561B2 patent drawing
  • US12360561B2 patent drawing

AI summary

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