Foldable Hinge Cavity Structure Against Foreign Matter Infiltration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices face issues with foreign matter infiltration through gaps in the hinge structure, leading to potential damage to the display and hindered hinge operation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a structure that includes a hinge housing and cavity structures to prevent foreign matter infiltration, along with a release mechanism to remove introduced foreign matter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable structure with hinge is used to enable portability, then portability is improved, but gaps are formed that allow foreign matter infiltration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidforeign matter infiltration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge housing is divided into multiple segments (first hinge housing, second hinge housing) with cavity structures formed between them. This segmentation creates isolated cavities that can trap foreign matter while maintaining the foldable structure's portability function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Cavity structures are introduced as intermediary spaces between the hinge components and housing. These cavities act as buffer zones that intercept foreign matter before it can reach critical components like the display, thus mediating between the portability requirement and contamination prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If hinge structure is disposed between housings to support rotation, then hinge operation is enabled, but foreign matter can be caught in the hinge structure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge operationVSAvoidhinge operation reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Cavity structures are positioned beforehand to cushion or intercept foreign matter before it can enter the hinge mechanism. This preventive arrangement protects the hinge operation from foreign matter interference while maintaining smooth rotation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful element (foreign matter) is extracted or isolated into separate cavity structures that are distinct from the hinge operation path. This separation ensures that foreign matter is contained in cavities rather than being caught in the moving hinge components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If foreign matter is introduced through gaps, then infiltration occurs, but cavity structures can prevent flow or diffusion of foreign matter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforeign matter infiltrationVSAvoidcavity structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing space is segmented into functional areas and cavity areas. The cavity structures create distinct zones that isolate foreign matter from critical components, preventing its flow or diffusion while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12468347B2Electronic device including structure against foreign substances

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

Electronic devices include a first housing, a second housing, a display arranged between the first housing and the second housing, and a hinge structure of which at least a portion is arranged between the first housing and the second housing to support a hinge operation. A hinge housing is provided in which at least a portion of the hinge structure is receivable. At least one cavity structure defines at least one cavity in at least a partial region of at least one of the hinge housing, the first housing, and the second housing to prevent flowing or diffusion of incoming foreign matter.