Foldable Display Hinge Structure With Prior Cushioning Against Shock

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays are vulnerable to external shocks, particularly in the bending area, where shear stress can damage the display due to differences in radius of curvature between layers, and existing solutions do not effectively absorb shocks without risking damage from rigid housing structures.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a hinge housing with protruding portions and cushioning members between these portions and the flexible display, allowing the display to move and absorb shocks, preventing direct collision with rigid structures and distributing stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flexible display is attached to the housing structure so as to be movable to relieve shear stress, then the surface quality of the flexible display is improved, but the flexible display may collide with the internal structure of the housing structure and be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface quality of flexible displayVSAvoidcollision damage from rigid housing structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cushioning member is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible display and the protruding portion of the housing structure. This cushioning member absorbs impact energy and prevents direct collision between the flexible display and the rigid housing structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between allowing display movement for stress relief and preventing collision damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning member is pre-installed in the housing structure at the position where collision might occur. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when external shock causes the flexible display to move and potentially collide with the housing structure, the cushioning member is already in place to absorb the impact and prevent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Strength

If the housing structure is formed of rigid material to provide structural support, then the strength of the housing is improved, but the rigid structure may damage the flexible display during collision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of housingVSAvoidimpact damage to flexible display

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning member serves as a mediator between the rigid housing structure and the flexible display. It allows the housing to maintain its rigid structural support function while preventing the rigid structure from directly damaging the flexible display during collision events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushioning member is made of a flexible or compliant material that can deform to absorb impact energy. This flexible element is positioned between the rigid housing and the flexible display, allowing the housing to remain rigid for structural support while the cushioning member protects the display from impact damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If the bending area is allowed to deform into curved surface to provide flexibility, then the adaptability of the display is improved, but the bending area becomes vulnerable to external shock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of displayVSAvoidvulnerability to external shock

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cushioning member is pre-positioned in the housing structure to protect the bending area before external shock occurs. When shock is applied, the cushioning member absorbs the impact energy, preventing direct transmission to the already vulnerable bending area, thus maintaining reliability while preserving flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This design effectively absorbs external shocks, reducing the risk of damage to the flexible display by allowing it to move and distribute stress, thereby enhancing the durability and reliability of foldable electronic devices.

Implementation Method 1

cushioning members disposed between the protruding portions and the periphery of the flexible display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

shock-absorbing member formed between the sidewall and a periphery of the flexible display

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS11602058B2Electronic device including display

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a hinge housing extending in a direction of a rotational axis, a first housing connected to one side of the hinge housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis to rotate about the rotational axis relative to the hinge housing, a second housing connected to an opposite side of the hinge housing in a direction perpendicular to the rotational axis to rotate about the rotational axis relative to the hinge housing, and a flexible display including a bending area at least partially disposed in the hinge housing and formed to be a flat surface or a curved surface, a first area extending from the bending area in one direction perpendicular to the rotational axis, and a second area extending from the bending area in an opposite direction perpendicular to the rotational axis.