Foldable Display Support Plates With Dust-Blocking Protection Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face issues as foreign substances, such as dust, can enter the gap between the display and the support plate during folding, leading to potential damage and defects.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a protection layer that contacts the support plates and is positioned between them, covering the exposed area of the flexible display when the device is folded, to prevent foreign substances from entering the gap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the support plate is attached only to some areas of the flexible display to allow pivoting, then the flexibility and portability of the device is improved, but foreign substances can enter the space between the display and support plate causing defects
Solution Approach 1:
A protection layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible display and support plate. This protection layer covers the flexible display in the folded state, preventing foreign substances from entering the space between the display and support plate, while not interfering with the pivoting operation when the device is unfolded.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection layer is implemented as a flexible thin film that can adapt to the folding and unfolding movements of the device. This thin film structure allows the device to maintain its folding functionality while providing continuous protection against foreign substance contamination.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the support plate is attached to all areas of the flexible display, then protection against foreign substances is improved, but the pivoting operation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple components: the support plate attached to specific areas of the flexible display, and a separate protection layer that covers the display. This segmentation allows the support plate to provide protection while the protection layer prevents foreign substance contamination, without hindering the pivoting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection layer serves as an intermediary that provides foreign substance protection without being rigidly attached to the flexible display. This intermediary layer can move independently during folding operations, preventing contamination while maintaining operational flexibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protection layer is added to cover the flexible display during folding, then protection against foreign substances is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protection layer is implemented as a simple flexible thin film rather than a complex rigid structure. This thin film approach provides effective foreign substance protection while adding minimal structural complexity and maintaining the device's overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection layer serves multiple functions: it prevents foreign substance contamination, maintains the flexibility of the device, and does not interfere with the pivoting operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a connection structure; a flexible display; a first plate including at least a portion disposed on a lower end of a first area of the display and a first periphery; a second plate including at least a portion disposed on a lower end of a second area of the display, and a second periphery; and a protection layer. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first periphery and the second periphery are configured to be in contact with the display. When the electronic device pivots from the unfolded state to a folded state, the first periphery and the second periphery are configured to be spaced apart from the display, and the protection layer is configured to cover an area of the display exposed between the first periphery and the second periphery.