Hinge Frame Protrusion for Foldable Display Impact Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with touch panel displays are prone to breakage when subjected to impact, such as dropping, due to the lack of adequate protection at the hinge connection point.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a first housing with a second frame member that extends along the back surface of the touch panel display and includes a protruding end that exposes beyond the panel's outer edge at the hinge location, preventing direct contact between the panel and the hinge during impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the bezel portion is omitted at the hinge connection point to downsize the device, then the device size is reduced, but the panel becomes vulnerable to impact at the hinge location
Solution Approach 1:
The second frame member is positioned to protrude beyond the panel's outer edge at the hinge connection point before any impact occurs. This preliminary positioning creates a protective barrier that intercepts the hinge during potential impact events, preventing direct contact between the hinge and the panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The second frame member acts as an intermediary element between the hinge and the panel. When the hinge contacts the protruding second frame member during impact, the frame member absorbs and distributes the force, preventing direct transmission of impact forces to the panel.
2Reliability
If the second frame member protrudes beyond the panel edge at the hinge location, then panel protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second frame member is integrated with the first frame member to form a unified frame structure. This merging approach allows the protective function to be added without completely separate components, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining protection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The second frame member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the panel, acts as a protective barrier at the hinge connection point, and contributes to the overall aesthetic design. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated protective components.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device of the present disclosure includes a display that includes a panel having a first principal surface, a second principal surface on a side opposite to the first principal surface, and an outer peripheral end portion that connects the first principal surface and the second principal surface, a first housing that houses the display, a second housing that houses an input unit, and a hinge that rotatably connects the first housing and the second housing. The first housing includes a first frame member that surrounds the outer peripheral end portion of the panel, and a second frame member that extends from the first frame member along the second principal surface of the panel and is disposed in a frame shape on the second principal surface side of the panel.