Multi-Foldable Housing Structure for Thin, Visible Folded Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-foldable electronic devices face challenges in reducing thickness in the folded state and maintaining visibility when placed on a cradle surface due to display curvature and non-parallel orientation.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device employs a foldable housing structure with specific hinge mechanisms and recess formations to align surfaces parallel to the cradle surface, reducing thickness and enhancing visibility, featuring a multi-joint hinge structure for out-folding and a two-axis hinge structure for in-folding, along with a flexible display that adjusts its orientation based on folding states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display is folded with curvature in the vicinity of the hinge structure to enable in-folding, then the display areas can face each other, but the thickness of the multi-foldable electronic device increases in the folded state
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is divided into multiple segments (first, second, and third housing structures) that can be independently folded relative to each other. The second housing structure includes a first region and a second region that can be positioned at different heights, allowing the display to be folded with curvature while maintaining overall thickness control through segmented construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension variation by positioning the first region of the second housing structure at a different height than the second region. This height difference creates a stepped configuration that accommodates the folded display's curvature while preventing uniform thickness increase across the entire device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display is disposed not parallel to the cradle surface in the folded state, then the hinge structure can accommodate folding, but visibility deteriorates when placed on a cradle surface
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structures are designed with asymmetric configurations where the first, second, and third housing structures can be positioned at different orientations and heights. This asymmetry allows the display to be angled away from parallel in the folded state, improving visibility when placed on a cradle surface while maintaining folding capability through the hinge structures.
3Volume of moving object
If two housing structures are folded to contact each other in out-folding, then the structure is compact, but the display areas are disposed on the outer surface which may increase overall dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structures are designed to nest within each other when folded. The first housing structure contains the second housing structure, which in turn contains the third housing structure, creating a nested doll-like configuration. This nesting allows the display areas to be disposed on outer surfaces while maintaining compact overall dimensions through hierarchical containment.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a foldable housing that includes a first hinge structure; a second hinge structure; a first housing structure including a first surface, a second surface facing away from the first surface, and a first side member surrounding a first space between the first surface and the second surface; a second housing structure including a third surface, a fourth surface facing away from the third surface, and a second side member surrounding a second space between the third surface and the fourth surface; a third housing structure including a fifth surface, a sixth surface facing away from the fifth surface, and a third side member surrounding a third space between the fifth surface and the sixth surface, wherein the first housing structure and the second housing structure are connected through the first hinge structure and the third housing structure are connected to the second housing structure through the second hinge structure, wherein through the first hinge structure, the second surface face the fourth surface in a folded state and the first surface and the third surface face in the same direction in an unfolded state, and wherein, through the second hinge structure, the third surface faces the fifth surface in the folded state and the third surface and the fifth surface face in the same direction in the unfolded state; and a flexible display extended from the first surface through the third surface to at least a portion of the fifth surface, wherein the second surface includes a recess whose vertical distance to the first surface is at least partially shorter than a vertical distance of a nearby site, and wherein the fourth surface includes a portion corresponding to the recess to make surface contact with the second surface.