Foldable Display Hinge Sealing Against Dust Ingress
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face issues with foreign matter entering the device due to gaps between the cover case and hinge case, leading to potential damage and defects.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating protrusions on the cover case and hinge case, along with dust caps made of rubber or silicone, which contact each other when the device is folded to prevent foreign particles from entering, and are designed to avoid contact when unfolded to facilitate easy folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the hinge cover is designed to surround the hinge, then the hinge is protected, but a gap remains between the hinge cover and support members allowing foreign matter to enter
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure is divided into multiple segments: the hinge cover, multiple dust caps positioned at different locations, and protrusions on support members. This segmentation allows each component to contribute to closing the gap and preventing foreign matter entry from different directions
Solution Approach 2:
Dust caps serve as intermediary elements between the hinge cover and the support members. These dust caps fill the gap space, creating a barrier that prevents foreign matter from entering through the gap while allowing the hinge to function
2Reliability
If dust caps are made of rubber or silicone material, then they effectively seal gaps, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The dust caps serve multiple functions: they seal gaps to prevent foreign matter entry, they act as buffer elements during folding operations, and they provide a simple yet effective barrier without requiring complex mechanisms. This multi-functionality justifies their inclusion despite increasing component count
3Reliability
If protrusions are designed to contact dust caps during folding, then foreign matter entry is prevented, but stress on the display module increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are pre-positioned on the support members at optimal locations. During folding, these protrusions make contact with dust caps in advance, guiding the folding motion and preventing excessive stress from being transmitted to the display module. This preliminary positioning ensures proper force distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable display device is described. The foldable display device comprises: a first support member and a second support member, which are separated from each other, a display module disposed on the first support member and the second support member, a hinge coupling one side of the first support member and one side of the second support member, a hinge cover surrounding the hinge and comprising a dust cap on an upper edge thereof, a first back cover disposed under the first support member and comprising a first protrusion at one end thereof, and a second back cover disposed under the second support member and comprising a second protrusion at one end thereof, the dust cap is in contact with the first protrusion and the second protrusion when the display module is folded.