Foldable Display Protection via Nested Accommodating Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible electronic devices with foldable displays are vulnerable to external impacts due to their exposed display surfaces, necessitating a protective structure when in a folded state.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device incorporating an accommodating part that covers a portion of the display surface when folded, comprising a support part and an accommodating part with specific engaging and guide features that allow the display panel to fold and overlap, protecting the display surface from external impacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the display surface is fully exposed for flexibility and foldability, then the device is easier to carry and more convenient, but the display surface becomes vulnerable to external impacts and easier to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The display surface is divided into a first display portion and a second display portion separated by a folding axis. The first display portion can be folded to cover and protect the second display portion, creating distinct functional zones that serve both display and protection purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The first display portion is designed to be dynamically movable relative to the second display portion through the folding mechanism. It can transition between an unfolded state for displaying content and a folded state for protecting the second display portion, adapting its position based on operational needs.
2Reliability
If an accommodating part is added to cover the display surface when folded, then the display surface is protected from external impacts, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first display portion serves multiple functions: it displays content when unfolded and acts as a protective cover for the second display portion when folded. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
When folded, the first display portion is positioned to overlap and cover the second display portion, creating a nested configuration where one functional element protects another. This nesting approach provides protection without requiring additional external components.
3Reliability
If the first display portion is folded to cover the second display portion, then the display surface area for protection increases, but the area available for displaying content decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The display system operates dynamically, switching between an unfolded state where the first display portion displays content and a folded state where it protects the second display portion. This temporal separation allows the same physical area to serve different functions at different times, resolving the area trade-off.
Solution Approach 2:
The first display portion alternates between displaying content and protecting the second display portion through periodic folding and unfolding actions. This periodic switching allows the system to optimize for either content display or protection as needed, without permanently sacrificing display area.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a display module including: a display panel foldable with respect to a folding axis and a support part disposed under the display panel; and an accommodating part which accommodates the display module. The display panel includes: a first display portion covered by the accommodating part in a folded state of the display panel; and a second display portion exposed to the outside in the folded state. The accommodating part includes: a first accommodating part which accommodates the first display portion in the folded state; and a second accommodating part which accommodates the first accommodating part in the folded state. As the display panel is folded, an included angle between the first display portion and the second display portion decreases, and an area in which the first accommodating part overlaps the second accommodating part increases in a plan view.