Hinge Blocking Members for Foldable Display Periphery Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face issues with foreign substances entering the disconnection space at the hinge structure, leading to potential damage and malfunction of the display due to exposure and squashing, as they lack a rigid protective structure for the display.
Innovation Solution
A display protection structure is introduced, comprising protective caps and blocking members made of polymer or metal, which cover the peripheries of the display at the hinge area, preventing exposure and deformation, and are supported by a protective cap with guide structures to manage stress during folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display is fixed to the housing structures with a protective layer in foldable electronic devices, then the display can be folded with the housing structures, but the periphery of the display is exposed through the disconnection space at the hinge structure, allowing foreign substances to flow in and causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking member is introduced as an intermediary element between the display and the external environment. This blocking member extends into the disconnection space at the hinge structure to prevent foreign substances from reaching the display periphery, while simultaneously featuring a guide structure that guides the display during folding operations to prevent direct contact and potential damage between the display and the blocking member
2Ease of operation
If the periphery of the display is exposed through the disconnection space, then the hinge structure has freedom of movement for folding operation, but the display periphery is vulnerable to user manipulation with fingernails or sharp tools causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member serves as a protective intermediary that physically blocks access to the display periphery, preventing direct manipulation by users. The guide structure on the blocking member simultaneously serves as a controlled interface that guides the display during folding, maintaining hinge freedom while preventing uncontrolled contact
Solution Approach 2:
The guide structure on the blocking member performs preliminary action by guiding the display periphery along a predetermined path during folding operations. This preliminary guidance prevents the display from making unintended contact with the blocking member or other structures, ensuring reliable folding operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If there is a disconnection space at the hinge structure for folding operation, then the hinge can rotate 0 to 360 degrees, but squashing occurs due to the gap between the display and the hinge structure causing display malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member acts as a structural intermediary that fills and supports the disconnection space at the hinge. This prevents the gap from closing improperly during folding operations, eliminating the squashing effect on the display while maintaining the full 0 to 360 degree folding range through the guide structure
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device is provided, which includes a hinge structure corresponding to a folding region of electronic device; a first housing structure connected to the hinge structure, and including a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a first side member surrounding a first space between the first surface and the second surface; a second housing structure connected to the hinge structure, and including a third surface, a fourth surface facing away from the third surface, and a second side member surrounding a second space between the third surface and the fourth surface, wherein the first housing structure and the second housing structure fold and unfold about the hinge structure, wherein the first surface and the third surface face a same direction in an unfolded state, and wherein the second surface and the fourth surface face opposite directions in a folded state; a display that traverses at least a portion of the first surface and at least a portion of the third surface through the folding region; a first protection cover disposed in the first housing structure on at least some of a periphery of the display; a second protection cover disposed in the second housing structure on at least some of the periphery of the display; and a protection structure that protects the periphery of the display in the folding region.