Foldable Device Waterproof Structure for FPCB Bending Space

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of slimming down foldable electronic devices while maintaining operational reliability and ensuring a sufficient space for the elastic deformation of flexible printed circuit boards, particularly in devices with diverse folding methods and flexible displays, is addressed.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof structure is implemented, comprising a loop-shaped first waterproof member coupled with a stiffener and a second waterproof member covering the opening, along with a fixing bracket, to secure the flexible printed circuit board's space and prevent moisture ingress, allowing for slimming down the device without increasing thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the device is slimmed down by reducing the space for the bending portion of the flexible printed circuit board, then the thickness of the electronic device is reduced, but the operational reliability and elastic deformation capability of the flexible printed circuit board deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethickness of electronic deviceVSAvoidoperational reliability of flexible printed circuit board

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof structure is designed with a loop-shaped first waterproof member and a second waterproof member that covers the opening, creating a multi-layer waterproof barrier in the vertical dimension. This allows the bending portion to have sufficient space for elastic deformation while maintaining waterproof sealing, effectively resolving the contradiction between device thickness and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof structure employs a nested configuration where the second waterproof member covers the opening formed by the loop-shaped first waterproof member. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of limited space within the device thickness, providing both waterproof protection and adequate space for the flexible printed circuit board's bending portion to deform elastically during folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the space for the bending portion of the flexible printed circuit board is increased to ensure elastic deformation, then the operational reliability is improved, but the thickness of the electronic device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliability of flexible printed circuit boardVSAvoidthickness of electronic device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof structure incorporates a loop-shaped first waterproof member that can dynamically accommodate the deformation of the flexible printed circuit board during folding operations. The loop structure provides flexibility while maintaining waterproof sealing, allowing the bending portion to have sufficient space for elastic deformation without significantly increasing the overall device thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof structure uses thin-film waterproof members that provide effective sealing with minimal thickness. The loop-shaped first waterproof member and the second waterproof member are designed as flexible thin films that can adapt to the deformation of the flexible printed circuit board, ensuring both waterproof protection and adequate space for elastic deformation within a compact thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a waterproof structure is added to seal the through-hole, then the prevention of moisture ingress is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture ingress preventionVSAvoidcomplexity of waterproof structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof structure is segmented into two distinct components: a loop-shaped first waterproof member and a second waterproof member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the first waterproof member provides the primary sealing barrier, while the second waterproof member covers the opening. The segmented design simplifies assembly and maintenance while effectively preventing moisture ingress through the through-hole.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250287519A1Electronic device comprising waterproof structure

Publication Date: 2025.09.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device including: a first housing including at least one first electronic component, the first housing having a through-hole therein; a second housing including at least one second electronic component; a hinge device that rotatably connects the first housing to the second housing; a flexible printed circuit board that penetrates through the through-hole in the first housing, and electrically connects the at least one first electronic component and the at least one second electronic component; a stiffener on the flexible printed circuit board; and a waterproof structure in the through-hole, wherein the waterproof structure includes: a first waterproof member coupled with the stiffener to form a loop structure having an opening, and a second waterproof member on the first waterproof member and covering the opening, and wherein the stiffener and the first waterproof member surround a periphery of the through-hole.