Hinge Recess Adjusts to Support Foldable Display Flatness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable display devices experience usability issues due to the central portion of the flexible display panel not being adequately supported when unfolded, leading to movement and difficulty in touch input.
Innovation Solution
A hinge device that fully supports the flexible display panel by adjusting the size of a recess within the hinge structure to accommodate the display, maintaining flatness and reducing stress when the device is unfolded, and allowing the display to fold without excessive curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a predetermined accommodation space is formed at the hinge portion to allow the flexible display panel to be bent, then the display can be folded, but the central portion of the flexible display panel is not supported when unfolded, causing movement and poor touch input usability
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible display panel and the housing. This support structure includes a first support member extending from the first housing and a second support member extending from the second housing, which work together to support the central portion of the flexible display panel when unfolded, preventing movement while maintaining foldability
2Ease of operation
If the flexible display panel is supported at the central portion when unfolded, then touch input usability improves, but the hinge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple independent components: a first support member extending from the first housing, a second support member extending from the second housing, and connection portions that link these members to the flexible display panel. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure manageable and not excessively complex
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed in the present document relates to a foldable electronic device. Various embodiments may provide an electronic device including: a first housing structure including a first surface, a second surface facing in a direction opposite to the first surface, and a first side member surrounding at least a portion of a space between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first side member includes a first rotational support portion at an edge thereof when viewed from above the first surface; a second housing structure including a third surface, a fourth surface facing in a direction opposite to the third surface, and a second side member surrounding at least a portion of a space between the third surface and the fourth surface, wherein the second side member includes a second rotational support portion facing the first rotational support portion at an edge thereof when viewed from above the third surface; a flexible display including a first portion disposed on the first surface, a second portion disposed on the third surface, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion and having a shape variable depending on an angle between the first surface and the third surface; and a hinge structure which is connected to each of the first rotational support portion and the second rotational support portion, wherein the hinge structure is capable of forming a recess for accommodating at least a portion of the third portion when the angle between the first surface and the third surface is equal to or less than a designated first angle.