Foldable Hinge Sealing Structure for Moisture and Dust Intrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges with waterproofing and dustproofing, particularly around the hinge module where gaps and seams allow moisture and foreign substances to enter, compromising their durability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sealing member that extends between the inner surfaces of the housings and the outer surface of the flexible display, along with an elastic support member in the folding area, to provide waterproofing and dustproofing, preventing the sealing member from being ejected during physical configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable electronic device uses a hinge module to enable folding and unfolding, then the device achieves variable physical configuration and flexibility, but gaps and seams are created that allow moisture and foreign substances to enter the interior
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is divided into multiple segments: a first sealing member that seals the first housing, a second sealing member that seals the second housing, and an elastic support member that bridges the gap between them. This segmentation allows each component to address specific sealing needs at different locations (first housing, hinge module, second housing) while working together to provide comprehensive protection against moisture and foreign substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible sealing members including an elastic support member that can deform to accommodate the folding motion. The elastic support member is configured to be elastically deformable, allowing it to maintain sealing contact with the housings during folding and unfolding operations while preventing intrusion by contaminants.
2Reliability
If sealing members are installed to prevent intrusion by moisture and foreign substances, then waterproofing and dustproofing are improved, but the sealing members may be ejected during physical configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic support member is pre-configured with elastic properties and positioned between the first and second housings before folding operations occur. This preliminary positioning and pre-tensioning of the elastic member ensures that the sealing member remains securely held in place during subsequent folding and unfolding configurations, preventing ejection while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
3Reliability
If the sealing member extends between the housings and flexible display, then comprehensive sealing coverage is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing functions into an integrated sealing system where the first sealing member, second sealing member, and elastic support member work as a unified assembly. The elastic support member simultaneously supports both sealing members and bridges the gap between housings, combining structural support and sealing functions in a single component configuration that reduces overall system complexity.
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 solution effectively protects the device from moisture and foreign substances, ensuring its integrity and functionality regardless of the foldable configuration, enhancing its durability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic support member disposed between a portion of the flexible display, a portion of the inner surface of the first housing, and a portion of the inner surface of the second housing, within a folding area
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is disclosed, including a hinge connecting to first and second housings as to enable foldability, a flexible display spanning at least a portion of the first housing and the second housing, wherein the flexible display is foldable and unfoldable along with folding and unfolding of the first and second housings, a first sealing member extending as to be disposed between an inner surface of the first housing, an inner surface of the second housing, and an outer surface of the flexible display and an elastic support member disposed between a portion of the flexible display, a portion of the inner surface of the first housing, and a portion of the inner surface of the second housing, within a folding area in which the first housing and the second housing are foldable and unfoldable.