Foldable Device Guiding Member for Panel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In foldable electronic devices, the middle position of a flexible panel is prone to unpredictable movement during the transition from unfolded to folded states, leading to potential damage due to unpredictable forces and lack of fixation, which hinders smooth state switching.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design incorporating a shaft bracket with a guiding member, such as an elastic or magnetic attraction system, that applies a guiding force to the middle region of the flexible panel, ensuring it moves into an accommodation space, preventing unwanted deformation and facilitating smooth state transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the middle position of the flexible panel is left unfixed to facilitate folding, then the folding operation is improved, but the panel may bend and deform unpredictably causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
A guiding member is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible panel and the housing. This guiding member provides a controlled guiding force to the middle position of the flexible panel during folding, preventing unpredictable deformation while facilitating smooth folding operation. The guiding member acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between needing the panel to be movable for folding and needing it to be stable to prevent damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an accommodation space is reserved in the housing for the folded panel, then the folded state is achieved, but the middle position of the panel lacks support during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding member is pre-installed in the housing structure to provide preliminary support and guidance to the middle position of the flexible panel before the panel actually enters the folded state. This preliminary action ensures that during the transition phase, the panel receives controlled guidance forces that prevent unpredictable deformation, while the accommodation space is already prepared to receive the folded panel.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible panel is made completely flexible for folding, then portability is improved, but the panel becomes vulnerable to damage during state switching
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding member provides localized support specifically at the middle position of the flexible panel during the folding transition, while leaving the rest of the panel maintaining its flexibility. This local quality approach ensures that the panel remains flexible enough for portability but gains localized reinforcement where it is most vulnerable during state switching, preventing damage without compromising overall flexibility.
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
The guiding member ensures a predictable force on the flexible panel, preventing damage and ensuring smooth transitions between unfolded and folded states by directing the panel's movement correctly, thus enhancing the device's durability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The guiding member may include a magnetic attraction member and a magnetic member. The magnetic attraction member may be arranged on one of the moveable plate and the middle region. The magnetic member may be arranged on the other one of the movable plate and the middle region. The magnetic attraction member and the magnetic member may be configured to be attracted to each other to connect the middle region and the movable plate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a foldable electronic device. The foldable electronic device may include a shaft bracket, a first housing and a second housing, a flexible panel and a guiding member. The shaft bracket may include a base plate, a first side plate and a second side plate. The base plate, the first side plate and the second side plate may define an accommodation space. The flexible panel may include a first region, a middle region and a second region integrated together. The middle region may be arranged corresponding to the base plate of the shaft bracket. The guiding member may be arranged between the middle region of the flexible panel and the shaft bracket, and may be configured to apply a guiding force towards the accommodation space of the shaft bracket to the middle region of the flexible panel.