Foldable Glass Cover Structure for Impact-Resistant Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices with glass covers are prone to damage from external impacts and pressures due to the brittleness of glass, compromising their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A transparent cover comprising multiple layers, including a glass layer with reinforced grooves and a harder third layer, is designed to enhance durability and prevent damage from external impacts and pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a thin glass film is used for the cover to achieve flexibility, then the flexibility and portability are improved, but the glass becomes more susceptible to damage from external impacts and pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddamage resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple layers with different properties: a glass layer (first layer) provides transparency and rigidity, a middle layer (second layer) provides flexibility and cushioning, and a third layer with grooves (third layer) provides impact resistance. This composite structure allows the cover to be both flexible and damage-resistant simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The third layer features grooves that are locally concentrated at the folding part of the display, providing enhanced impact resistance precisely where the glass is most vulnerable during folding operations, while maintaining transparency in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If a thicker glass cover is used to improve durability and impact resistance, then the strength and protection are improved, but the flexibility and ability to fold are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidfoldability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into multiple functional layers: the glass layer provides strength, the middle flexible layer enables folding, and the grooved third layer provides localized reinforcement. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the overall foldability of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a flexible middle layer that acts as a buffer between the rigid glass layer and the folding mechanism, enabling the overall structure to bend and fold while the glass layer maintains its strength and protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If multiple layers are added to the cover to enhance protection, then the durability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage preventionVSAvoidlayer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The third layer with grooves is strategically positioned only at the folding part where impact resistance is most needed, rather than adding complex structures throughout the entire cover. This localized approach enhances protection while minimizing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12581797B2Electronic device comprising transparent cover including glass and foldable display coupled thereto

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An example electronic device includes a transparent cover; and a flexible display coupled to the cover. The cover may include a first layer including glass; a second layer positioned between the first layer and the flexible display; and a third layer positioned between the first layer and the second layer. The third layer includes a pattern overlapping a folding part of the flexible display and including a plurality of grooves formed in a bonding surface with the second layer, and has a hardness greater than that of the second layer.