Foldable Display Sealing Member for Hinge Gap Dustproofing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices face challenges with waterproofing and dustproofing, particularly around the hinge module where gaps and seams create vulnerabilities to moisture and foreign substances, compromising their durability and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sealing member that extends between the inner surfaces of the housings and the outer surface of the flexible display, along with an elastic support member in the folding area, to provide waterproofing and dustproofing, preventing the sealing member from being ejected and maintaining protection across various device configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable electronic device is designed with a hinge module allowing folding and unfolding, then the device achieves variable physical configuration and flexibility, but gaps and seams are created that compromise waterproofing and dustproofing
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is divided into multiple segments: a first sealing member extending from the first housing to the flexible display, and a second sealing member extending from the second housing to the flexible display. This segmentation allows each sealing member to independently seal its respective housing, effectively addressing the waterproofing and dustproofing gaps created by the hinge module while preserving the foldable configuration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members act as intermediary elements between the housings and the flexible display, filling the gaps and seams created by the hinge module. These sealing members extend into the folding area to prevent intrusion by foreign contaminants and moisture, thereby maintaining reliability while allowing the device to maintain its adaptable foldable structure
2Reliability
If the sealing member extends into the folding area to provide waterproofing, then protection against moisture and foreign substances is improved, but the sealing member may be ejected during folding and unfolding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second support plates are positioned in advance within the folding area to provide preliminary support to the sealing members. These support plates extend into the folding area and are coupled to the respective housings, creating a stable foundation that prevents the sealing members from being ejected during folding and unfolding operations while maintaining their protective function
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members are designed as flexible structures that can accommodate the folding and unfolding movements of the hinge module. This flexibility allows them to maintain contact with both the housings and the flexible display throughout the range of motion, preventing ejection while continuing to provide effective sealing against moisture and foreign substances
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 effectively seals the device against moisture and foreign substances, ensuring the integrity and functionality of foldable electronic devices regardless of their configuration, enhancing their durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic support member disposed between a portion of the flexible display, a portion of the inner surface of the first housing, and a portion of the inner surface of the second housing
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is disclosed, including a hinge connecting to first and second housings as to enable foldability, a flexible display spanning at least a portion of the first housing and the second housing, wherein the flexible display is foldable and unfoldable along with folding and unfolding of the first and second housings, a first sealing member extending as to be disposed between an inner surface of the first housing, an inner surface of the second housing, and an outer surface of the flexible display and an elastic support member disposed between a portion of the flexible display, a portion of the inner surface of the first housing, and a portion of the inner surface of the second housing, within a folding area in which the first housing and the second housing are foldable and unfoldable.