Portable Electronic Device Mid-Structure for Maximizing Screen Transmissive Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in maximizing the screen transmissive area while maintaining a compact form factor, as the size of the window member is often smaller than the display panel, limiting the available screen space.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a supporting member with protrusions and a case member that surrounds the supporting member, allowing for a larger screen transmissive area by strategically positioning the front cover and window member to increase the display panel's visibility while maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If the window member size is increased to maximize screen transmissive area, then the display area is improved, but the device size and structural complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen transmissive areaVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is nested within the case member, with supporting protrusions fitting into the case cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the screen transmissive area to be maximized while maintaining a compact overall device structure, as the support components are integrated within the existing device boundaries rather than adding external bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The case member is divided into a body portion and a lid portion that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the window member to be positioned and supported effectively while maintaining device compactness. The supporting protrusions are segmented features on the supporting member that engage with corresponding features on the case body, enabling precise positioning without increasing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of moving object

If the supporting protrusions are added to increase screen transmissive area, then the display visibility is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen transmissive areaVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is merged with the case member through the supporting protrusions that extend into the case cavity. This merging of components allows the supporting function to be integrated into the existing case structure rather than requiring separate support mechanisms, thereby increasing screen transmissive area while minimizing additional manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the window member, defines the screen transmissive area boundary, and engages with the case member through the supporting protrusions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the desired display area expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If the case member surrounds the supporting member to maintain structural integrity, then the device strength is improved, but the screen transmissive area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidscreen transmissive area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The case member provides structural integrity through localized engagement with the supporting member via supporting protrusions. Rather than requiring the case to completely enclose the supporting member (which would reduce screen area), the structural support is provided locally at specific engagement points. This allows the majority of the window member surface to remain exposed for display purposes while maintaining adequate structural strength at critical locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3122022B1Portable electronic device and internal structure of the same
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3122022B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3122022B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3122022B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an outer housing including a first plate, a second plate oriented in an opposite direction of the first plate, and a side member at least partially surrounding a space between the first plate and the second plate and a mid-structure disposed in the outer housing, including a first surface facing the first plate, a second plate facing the second plate, and a third plate facing at least a portion of the side member, and at least partially surrounded by the side member, wherein at least a portion of a side surface of the first plate may be surrounded by the at least a portion of the side member while spaced apart at a first interval, wherein at least a portion of the third surface of the mid-structure may be positioned adjacent to at least another portion of the side member while spaced apart from a second interval, and wherein the second interval may be smaller than the first interval.