Foldable Display Object Detection to Prevent Closing Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices are prone to damage when objects are left on the display during folding due to inadequate protection mechanisms, leading to potential puncture or bending of the display cover layer and underlying layers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of object detection sensors, such as infrared cameras, visible light cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and capacitive force sensors, to detect objects on the display and adjust device operation to prevent damage by locking the hinge, deploying a stop structure, generating alerts, or blowing air to remove particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the device is folded while an object is on the display, then portability is enhanced, but the display cover layer and underlying layers may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The object detection sensor detects objects on the display before the folding action occurs. The system proactively identifies the presence of objects and triggers protective measures (locking the hinge, deploying stop structures, or generating alerts) to prevent damage before it can happen during the folding process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary protective structures including stop structures that physically prevent the housing portions from closing completely, and locking mechanisms that restrain hinge movement. These intermediaries act as buffers between the folding action and the display, preventing direct contact that could cause damage.
2Reliability
If object detection sensors are added to detect objects on the display, then display protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The object detection sensor is integrated into the existing display structure, serving multiple functions: detecting objects on the display surface and potentially contributing to touch input detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while maintaining reliable object detection capability.
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
Prevents unintentional damage to the display by detecting and responding to objects on the display, ensuring the device can be safely folded without causing harm to the display layers.
Implementation Method 1
The object detection sensor may include an infrared camera
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasonic sensor
Implementation Method 3
a capacitive force sensor or other touch sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include a foldable housing having first and second housing portions coupled by a hinge. A flexible display may overlap the hinge and may have first and second display regions respectively overlapping the first and second housing portions. An object detection sensor may be configured to detect objects on the display that might cause damage to the display if the device is folded closed while the object is present. The object detection sensor may include an image sensor, a capacitive sensor, a strain gauge, and/or other suitable sensors. In response to detecting an object on the display with the object detection sensor, movement of the first housing portion relative to the second housing portion may be restricted, an alert may be issued, air may be blown across the display, and/or other actions may be taken.