Hinge Support Portion for Foldable Display Sag Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays in foldable electronic devices may sag or be damaged due to inadequate support from the hinge assembly, especially when transitioning between unfolded and folded states.
Innovation Solution
A support structure is provided that includes a hinge structure with a support portion between first and second hinge plates, which supports the flexible display in both unfolded and folded states, maintaining display flatness and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the hinge assembly is used to couple housings for rotation, then the device can transition between folded and unfolded states, but some regions of the flexible display are not supported causing sagging or damage
Solution Approach 1:
A support portion is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible display and the hinge assembly. This support portion includes a first area that contacts the flexible display and a second area that contacts the hinge assembly, thereby mediating the support relationship and preventing sagging while allowing rotation functionality to be maintained
2Reliability
If a support structure is added to prevent sagging, then display reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is merged with the hinge assembly structure, where the second area of the support portion is integrated into the hinge assembly. This merging approach provides the necessary support functionality while minimizing additional complexity by combining multiple functions into a unified structure
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided, which includes a hinge structure having a support portion located between the flexible printed circuit board and the flexible display, wherein, in an unfolded state, at least part of the support portion is disposed between the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, a first bracket coupled to the first housing and rotating as the first housing rotates about a first rotation axis, and a second bracket coupled to the second housing and rotating as the second housing rotates about a second rotation axis, wherein, in the unfolded state of the electronic device, the support portion, the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate support at least one region of the flexible display in a state that the first hinge plate is at least partially supported by a first area of the support portion and the second hinge plate is at least partially supported by a second area of the support portion opposite to the first area, and wherein, in a folded state of the electronic device, the support portion is spaced apart from the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate.