Foldable Display Edge Protection Using Hinge-Mounted Wings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices lack a protective structure for the display edges in the folding area, exposing them to potential damage from foreign materials and user interference, which can lead to erroneous operations and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A display protecting structure comprising a support body with protruding shafts, rotatably coupled to wing structures, which include through holes for hinge arms, providing protection to the display edges in the folding region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no protective structure is provided for the display edges in the folding area, then the device maintains simplicity and flexibility for folding operations, but the display edges are exposed to foreign materials and user interference, leading to potential damage and erroneous operations
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure incorporates movable wings that can dynamically adjust their position. The wings are configured to move between a first position where they protect the display edges and a second position where they allow access to the display edges, enabling the structure to adapt its protective function based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is divided into multiple independent components including a body, multiple wings, and shafts. Each wing can operate independently to protect different sections of the display edges, allowing selective protection while maintaining overall structural simplicity
2Reliability
If a protective structure is added to cover the display edges in the folding area, then display reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective structure uses thin, flexible wing components that can be easily formed and assembled. These wings are designed to be lightweight and simple in construction, reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while effectively covering the display edges when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is designed to be self-operating through spring mechanisms and elastic deformable bodies that automatically move the wings between protected and accessible positions without requiring external control systems, reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing costs
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective structure covers the display edges completely, then foreign material penetration is prevented, but user access to the display edges for legitimate operations is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The wings are designed with movable joints and spring mechanisms that allow them to dynamically transition between a closed protective position and an open accessible position. This enables the structure to provide protection when needed while allowing user access for legitimate operations such as cleaning or adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure proactively prevents foreign material penetration by positioning the wings to cover the display edges before contamination can occur. The springs and elastic bodies maintain constant pressure to ensure continuous protection while allowing quick opening when user access is required
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 secures the display edges, enhances device reliability, reduces component count, and lowers manufacturing costs while improving assembly characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a first hinge arm including a first through hole and rotatably coupled to the first shaft in a manner where the first shaft extends through the first through hole
Implementation Method 2
a second hinge arm including a second through hole and rotatably coupled to the second shaft in a manner where the second shaft extends through the second through hole
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An electronic device according to various embodiments comprises: a hinge module; a first housing connected to the hinge module; a second housing connected to the hinge module to be foldable with respect to the first housing; a display which is arranged from at least a part of the first housing and is arranged to be supported by at least a part of the second housing via the hinge module; and at least one protective structure which is arranged to protect edges of the display in a folding region corresponding to the hinge module, wherein the at least one protective structure comprises: a support body arranged on at least a part of the hinge module and including a first shaft and a second shaft which protrude by a designated distance therebetween; a first wing structure including a first hinge arm in which a first through hole is formed, and rotatably coupled to the first shaft by passing through the first through hole; a second wing structure including a second hinge arm in which a second through hole is formed, and rotatably coupled to the second shaft by passing through the second through hole; and a protective structure including the first wing structure and the second wing structure. The first hinge arm is rotatably fastened with the first shaft via a first opening portion that is at least partially formed in the first through hole, and the second may be rotatably fastened with the second shaft via a second opening portion that is at least partially formed in the second through hole.