Hinge Supplementary Structure for Flexible Display Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible displays in electronic devices are prone to damage at the folding portion, necessitating a supplementary structure for protection.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a supplementary structure comprising a fixing bracket, wing parts, and a coupling part that are securely attached to the hinge housing, providing reinforcement and protection to the display during folding and unfolding operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display is folded to enable portability, then the device becomes portable and compact, but the folding portion of the display is at high risk of damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddisplay durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A supplementary structure acts as an intermediary between the flexible display and the hinge housing. This structure includes a first member disposed on the first housing, a second member disposed on the second housing, and a coupling member that couples these members. The coupling member is disposed between the flexible display and the hinge housing, serving as a protective mediator that prevents direct contact and potential damage between these components during folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The supplementary structure provides beforehand cushioning by positioning the coupling member between the flexible display and hinge housing before any damage can occur. The structure includes protective members that extend toward each other and a coupling member that prevents harmful contact, cushioning the display against potential damage from the hinge housing during folding and unfolding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If the display is reinforced with a supplementary structure, then damage prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay protectionVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supplementary structure is segmented into multiple functional components: a first member disposed on the first housing, a second member disposed on the second housing, and a coupling member that connects them. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific protective function while maintaining overall structural organization and manageability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supplementary structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the flexible display from damage, provides structural support during folding, and maintains the overall integrity of the device. The coupling member both protects the display and connects the housing components, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces the need for separate protective components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3900311B1Electronic device including supplementary structure

Publication Date: 2023.11.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

An electronic device includes: a first housing and second housing connected via a hinge, all of which are overlaid by a flexible display; a hinge housing in which the hinge is seated, and a supplementary structure coupled to an edge of the hinge housing to hide at least part of a peripheral edge of the flexible display, wherein the supplementary structure includes a fixing bracket coupled to the hinge housing, a first wing part coupled to the fixing bracket and disposed between the first member and the first housing, a second wing part coupled to the fixing bracket and disposed between the second member and the second housing, and a coupling part coupling the first wing part and the second wing part to the fixing bracket.