Foldable Housing Thickness Compensation for Stable Unfolded Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices experience stability issues due to thickness differences between housings, and there is insufficient space for storing peripheral devices like keyboards when in a folded state, especially with narrower hinge structures.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design that includes a thickness compensation member, such as a stand cover or keyboard, which compensates for thickness differences between housings and provides storage space by using magnets for detachable attachment, enhancing stability and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the second housing is made thinner to reduce overall thickness and weight, then the portability and design flexibility are improved, but the stability of the device in unfolded state deteriorates due to thickness differences between housings
Solution Approach 1:
A thickness compensation member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first housing and the second housing. This member compensates for the thickness difference caused by the thinner second housing, thereby maintaining stability in the unfolded state while allowing the second housing to remain thin for improved portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness compensation member is selectively applied only to specific regions where thickness compensation is needed, rather than uniformly increasing the thickness of the entire second housing. This localized approach maintains the overall lightweight design while addressing stability issues at critical locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge structure is improved and folding radius is decreased to enhance foldability, then the flexibility and compactness are improved, but the storage space for peripheral devices between housings in folded state deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness compensation member extends in the thickness direction (perpendicular to the folding plane), utilizing a different spatial dimension for storage. This allows peripheral devices to be stored effectively even when the gap between housings in the folding direction is reduced due to improved hinge structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness compensation member is designed as a detachable component that can be separately coupled to the housings, allowing flexible configuration and optimization of both the hinge structure for foldability and the storage space for peripheral devices without compromising either function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a thickness compensation member is added to compensate for thickness differences, then the stability in unfolded state is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness compensation member is designed to be detachably coupled to the housings, allowing it to be removed or adjusted when not needed. This reduces the permanent structural complexity while maintaining stability when the compensation member is attached, enabling flexible configuration based on usage requirements.
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 design improves stability in the unfolded state and allows for storage of peripheral devices like keyboards, addressing the thickness discrepancies and space constraints in foldable devices.
Implementation Method 1
The receiving portion includes a magnet disposed to detachably couple the thickness compensation member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a thickness compensation member is provided. The foldable electronic device includes a first housing having a first surface and a second surface positioned in the opposite direction of the first surface, a second housing, which is coupled so as to be rotatable with respect to the first housing, has a third surface extending from the first surface and a fourth surface positioned in the opposite direction of the third surface when the electronic device is unfolded, and has at least one part that is thinner than the first housing, a flexible display which is positioned on the first surface and the third surface, and which can be folded and unfolded according to the folding and unfolding of the electronic device, one or more processor arranged in the first housing, and a thickness compensation member for compensating for at least a portion of the thickness difference between the first housing and the second housing. The second housing can have an accommodation portion, which is on the fourth surface and can be detachably coupled to the thickness compensation member.