Foldable Display Hinge Protection Using Elastic Gap Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face issues with display protection due to the absence of a rigid structure, leading to exposure risks and potential malfunctions from foreign substances and physical damage at the hinge connection, where the display is vulnerable to damage from external objects and deformation.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design incorporating a protective cap with a protrusion and a blocking member made of elastic material, positioned between the display and the protective cap, which is supported by the protrusion in the folding region to prevent damage and foreign substance ingress.
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 allowing foreign substances to flow in
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking member is introduced as an intermediary element between the protective layer and the protective cap in the disconnection space. This blocking member prevents foreign substances from reaching the display periphery while allowing the display to fold with the housing structures. The blocking member acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between maintaining foldability and preventing foreign substance ingress.
2Ease of operation
If the periphery of the display is exposed through the disconnection space to allow hinge movement, then the hinge structure has freedom of movement, but the display is vulnerable to damage from fingernails or sharp tools
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is positioned in advance in the disconnection space to provide protective cushioning for the display periphery. This blocking member prevents direct contact between external objects (fingernails, sharp tools) and the display, thereby preventing damage before it occurs. The protective cap with protrusion provides additional beforehand protection by extending into the disconnection space.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking member serves as an intermediary protective element between the vulnerable display periphery and external harmful factors. It allows hinge movement freedom while simultaneously protecting the display from physical damage by intercepting potential threats before they reach the display.
3Speed
If there is a gap between the display and the hinge structure in the disconnection space, then the hinge can rotate freely, but squashing occurs causing display malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member acts as an intermediary support element in the disconnection space that prevents squashing of the display while allowing hinge rotation. It provides structural support to the display periphery during hinge movement, preventing the gap from causing display deformation or malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure utilizes composite construction with the blocking member made of elastic material and the protective cap made of rigid material. This composite approach allows the blocking member to provide flexible support that accommodates hinge rotation while preventing squashing, and the rigid protective cap to provide additional structural protection.
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 solution effectively protects the display from physical damage and foreign substances, ensuring the device's functionality and durability by filling the gap between the display and the hinge structure, preventing deformation and malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking member that is disposed between the flexible display and the protective cap to be supported by the protrusion in the folding region and is made of a material having elasticity
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided, which includes a first housing; a second housing; a hinge structure connecting the first housing and the second housing in a foldable manner; a flexible display that includes a first region facing the first housing, a second region facing the second housing, and a folding region facing the hinge structure; a protective cap including a protrusion that projects outward from the hinge structure; and a blocking member that is disposed between the flexible display and the protective cap to be supported by the protrusion in the folding region and is made of a material having elasticity.