Foldable Display Switching by Hinge Angle and Device Posture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with foldable housings face challenges in dynamically adjusting display content based on varying bending angles and postures, limiting user experience and functionality.

Innovation Solution

The device includes sensors to determine bending angles and postures, allowing it to control display content accordingly, enabling dynamic visual experiences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display is controlled to change visual information based on bending angle and posture, then adaptability and user experience are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the foldable structure, detects bending angle through integrated sensors, determines device posture, and triggers display content changes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the hinge mechanism with sensor detection capabilities and display control systems into an integrated assembly. The hinge assembly merges structural support, angle sensing, posture detection, and visual output control into a single coordinated system, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple displays are provided on different surfaces, then display versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The display system is segmented into multiple independent display units positioned on different surfaces (front, rear, and side surfaces of housings). Each display can be independently controlled and manufactured, allowing for modular assembly that simplifies the manufacturing process while providing versatile display capabilities in different orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4708833A1Electronic device, and method for controlling display of electronic device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4708833A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708833A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4708833A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device of the present disclosure may include: a foldable housing including a first housing and a second housing coupled to each other to be foldable or unfoldable; a memory; a processor; at least one sensor; a flexible display disposed on at least a portion of a first surface of the foldable housing so as to be foldable or unfoldable; and a cover display disposed on at least a portion of a second surface of the first housing, wherein instructions stored in the memory, when executed by the processor, cause the electronic device to: determine a bending angle of the foldable housing by using at least one sensor; determine a stand state of the foldable housing by using the at least one sensor; identify a display on which visual information is to be displayed on the basis of the bending angle and the stand state; and control the display on the basis of the visual information.