Foldable Display Hinge Structure With Waterproof Non-Conductive Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of multimedia functions in compact electronic devices necessitates larger displays, which conflicts with the trend of devices being portable and compact.

Innovation Solution

A foldable electronic device design incorporating a housing with a first and second housing connected by a hinge structure, a display across both housings, a conductive plate supported by a non-conductive member, and a waterproofing member between the non-conductive member and the housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the display size is increased to provide multimedia functions, then the display area is improved, but the device becomes less compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display is divided into multiple segments that can be folded along a hinge structure. The first display area is disposed on the first housing and the second display area is disposed on the second housing, allowing the display to be segmented across multiple housings that can be folded relative to each other

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display transitions from a two-dimensional flat configuration to a three-dimensional folded configuration. When folded, the display areas are positioned at different spatial dimensions, enabling a larger total display area while maintaining a compact form factor when closed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If a conductive plate is used to support the display, then structural support is improved, but waterproofing is compromised due to conductivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidwaterproofing
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A non-conductive member is introduced as an intermediary component between the conductive plate and the housing. This non-conductive member surrounds at least a portion of the conductive plate and protrudes with respect to the display, serving as a barrier that prevents water from reaching the conductive plate while allowing the conductive plate to maintain its structural support function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The structure combines conductive and non-conductive materials in a composite configuration. The conductive plate provides structural support while the non-conductive member provides waterproofing, creating a multi-functional assembly where each material performs its specific function without interfering with the other

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the non-conductive member protrudes with respect to the display, then waterproofing is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofingVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The non-conductive member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waterproofing by protruding to block water ingress, provides electrical isolation by surrounding the conductive plate, and provides structural support as part of the overall assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12575044B2Foldable electronic device including non-conductive member
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US12575044B2 patent drawing
  • US12575044B2 patent drawing
  • US12575044B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device may include a housing including a first housing and a second housing, a display disposed on the first housing and the second housing, a hinge structure connecting the first housing and the second housing, a conductive plate supporting the display, a non-conductive member surrounding at least a portion of the conductive plate and protruding with respect to the display, and a waterproofing member at least partially disposed between the non-conductive member and the housing.