Foldable Second Screen Mechanism for Full-Screen Electronic Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices struggle to achieve a true full screen due to the need to mount functional components like front-facing cameras, which obstruct the screen-to-body ratio and compromise aesthetics, functionality, and user experience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a housing, a screen module comprising a first and a foldable second screen, and a control mechanism that switches the second screen between folded and unfolded states to expose or block functional modules, using a supporting roller and roller driving mechanism to ensure a true full screen without gaps or mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If functional components (e.g., front-facing camera) are mounted on the front of the mobile phone, then the functionality is ensured, but the screen-to-body ratio is reduced and true full screen cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is divided into a first screen (fixed) and a second screen (foldable). The second screen can be folded away to expose functional components when needed, and unfolded to cover them when not needed, thus maintaining both full screen appearance and functional component accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The second screen is designed to be dynamically foldable between two states: unfolded state (covering functional components for full screen display) and folded state (exposing functional components for use). This dynamic structure allows the screen-to-body ratio to be maximized while still providing access to functional components.
2Area of stationary object
If a foldable second screen is introduced to achieve true full screen, then the screen-to-body ratio is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A roller bracket mechanism serves as an intermediary structure to support and control the folding motion of the second screen. The roller bracket includes a supporting plate and roller that work together to guide the folding action, reducing the complexity burden on the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller driving mechanism drives the supporting roller to rotate, which in turn drives the second screen to fold or unfold automatically. The system uses the rotational motion of the roller to directly control the screen folding without requiring additional complex transmission mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the second screen is folded to expose the functional module, then the functionality is accessible, but the aesthetics and screen continuity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The second screen dynamically transitions between folded and unfolded states based on functional needs. When unfolded, it maintains continuous screen display for aesthetics; when folded, it exposes functional components for operation. This dynamic state change allows both aesthetics and functionality to be optimized at different times.
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 enhances aesthetics, prevents liquid and dust ingress, reduces mechanical failures, improves user experience with faster switching, and maintains structural integrity while allowing partial screen display during functional module use.
Implementation Method 1
the roller driving mechanism drives the supporting roller to rotate in a first direction, the supporting roller drives the second screen to move in a direction approaching the first screen
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic device. The electronic device includes a housing, a screen module, a functional module, and a control mechanism. The functional module and the control mechanism are located in an accommodating space formed by the housing and the screen module. The screen module includes a first screen and a foldable second screen, and the control mechanism is connected to the second screen and drives the second screen to switch between a folded state and an unfolded state. In a case that the second screen is in the unfolded state, the second screen blocks the functional module. In a case that the second screen is in the folded state, the functional module is exposed from the accommodating space.