Foldable Hinge Blocking Structure for Drop-Protected Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices, such as foldable mobile phones and tablets, are prone to damage from impacts during drops due to their complex structures, particularly at the hinge area, leading to issues like black spots or line failures on the display.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a blocking member with a recessed portion on its side surface to create an avoidance space that accommodates the display, reducing the risk of impact by increasing the drop buffer space and providing a larger recession space for the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge structure is used to enable folding functionality, then the device achieves foldable capability and compact form factor, but the hinge area becomes vulnerable to impact damage during drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-configuring a buffer structure between the display and hinge assembly. This buffer structure includes a first buffer component arranged between the display and the hinge, creating a protective cushion that absorbs impact energy before it reaches the display. The buffer structure is designed to deform or compress during impact, thereby protecting the display from direct impact forces that would occur in drop scenarios.
2Area of stationary object
If the display is positioned close to the hinge structure to maximize screen real estate, then device compactness is improved, but the display becomes more susceptible to impact from the hinge during drops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a buffer structure as a mediator between the display and hinge assembly. This buffer structure acts as an intermediate layer that physically separates the display from the hinge, preventing direct contact during impact events. The buffer structure includes a first buffer component that can deform or absorb energy, thereby mediating the interaction between the rigid hinge and the fragile display, reducing impact transmission while allowing the display to maintain its positioning for maximum screen real estate.
3Reliability
If the hinge structure is made more robust to prevent damage, then drop reliability improves, but the device complexity and structure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the protective structure into multiple distinct components: a buffer structure with a first buffer component, and potentially additional buffer components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the first buffer component handles initial impact absorption, while other components provide structural support. This modular approach achieves enhanced drop reliability without creating a monolithic complex structure, as each segmented component can be independently designed and positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing protection specifically at the hinge area where impact damage is most likely to occur, rather than uniformly strengthening the entire device. The buffer structure is strategically positioned between the display and hinge assembly, concentrating protective measures at the critical vulnerability point. This localized approach improves drop reliability at the hinge area without unnecessarily increasing overall device complexity or adding material to non-critical regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device includes a hinge structure, a first middle frame, and a second middle frame. An end portion of the hinge structure includes a blocking member, and along an axial direction of the hinge structure, the blocking member includes a first side surface and a second side surface that face away from each other. The first side surface faces the display, and the second side surface faces away from the display.