Foldable Display Sealing Structure for Hinge Gap Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges with waterproofing and dustproofing, particularly near the hinge module where gaps and seams occur, making them vulnerable to moisture and foreign substances.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a sealing member between the outer surface of a flexible display and the inner surfaces of the housings, along with an elastic support member to prevent the sealing member from being ejected, providing waterproofing and dustproofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable configuration is used to enable variable physical structure, then adaptability is improved, but waterproofing and dustproofing deteriorate due to gaps and seams near the hinge module
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof film is disposed between the flexible display and the hinge module, extending across the folding region. This film maintains waterproofing and dustproofing while accommodating the folding motion, directly resolving the contradiction between foldable adaptability and protection against harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The waterproof film acts as an intermediary barrier between the internal components and the external environment, specifically blocking moisture and foreign substances from entering through the gaps created by the hinge module during folding operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sealing member is positioned between the flexible display and hinge module, then waterproofing is improved, but the sealing member may be ejected during folding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible waterproof film is specifically designed to accommodate folding motion without ejecting the sealing member. Its flexibility allows it to bend with the hinge module while maintaining its sealing function, preventing both moisture intrusion and sealing member ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic support member is positioned to provide beforehand cushioning and support to the waterproof film, preventing the sealing member from being ejected during folding operations while maintaining the waterproof barrier.
3Device complexity
If the flexible display extends across the hinge module, then device integration is improved, but vulnerability to contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible waterproof film is disposed between the flexible display and the hinge module, creating a protective barrier that allows the display to extend across the hinge module for integrated design while preventing foreign substances from entering the internal space.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An electronic apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention comprises: a hinge module; a first housing which includes a first side surface, a second side surface, and a third side surface and to which a first side of the hinge module and at least a portion of a first support plate are coupled; a second housing which includes a fourth side surface, a fifth side surface, and a sixth side surface and to which a second side of the hinge module and at least a portion of a second support plate are coupled, wherein the second housing is configured to be foldable and unfoldable with the first housing about a folding axis of the hinge module; a flexible display supported above the first housing and the second housing and configured to be foldable and unfoldable; a first sealing member that extends as a single body between the inner surface of the first housing, the inner surface of the second housing, and the outer surface of the flexible display; and an elastic support member which is disposed, between a portion of the flexible display, a portion of the inner surface of the first housing, and a portion of the inner surface of the second housing, in a folding region in which the first housing and the second housing fold and unfold. Various other embodiments are possible.