Sliding Housing Pressure Sensing for Foldable Device State Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in detecting and responding to relative movements between housings, particularly in transitioning between open and closed states, without effective mechanisms for sensing pressure inputs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor in one housing to face a contact member in another, with a processor to recognize pressure intensity and control an actuator for moving the housings relative to each other, and a support structure to facilitate sliding or rotational movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a pressure sensor is incorporated to detect relative movement between housings, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is integrated into the second housing and the contact member into the first housing, merging the sensing function directly into the housing structure rather than adding separate detection mechanisms. This combination allows accurate detection of relative positions while maintaining a compact design.
Solution Approach 2:
A contact member is introduced as an intermediary element that transmits mechanical pressure from the first housing to the pressure sensor in the second housing. This mediator enables indirect detection of relative movement through pressure transmission, achieving precise measurement without direct sensor exposure.
2Ease of operation
If an actuator is added to automatically move housings based on pressure detection, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects pressure changes and triggers actuator activation without requiring manual intervention. The processor monitors pressure sensor output and autonomously controls the actuator to transition between open and closed states, enabling self-service operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor provides continuous feedback to the processor about the relative position of the housings. This feedback loop enables the processor to detect when a button press occurs and automatically activate the actuator to change the state, creating a closed-loop control system that simplifies operation.
3Ease of operation
If a support structure with support shaft is incorporated to facilitate rotational movement, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to enable dynamic movement between sliding and rotational states. The support shaft facilitates smooth transitions between these movement modes, allowing the second housing to be easily manipulated into different positions while maintaining operational flexibility.
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
Enables accurate detection of relative positions and state changes between housings based on pressure input, allowing seamless transitions between open and closed states.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor disposed in the second housing to face the contact member and provided in a state in which at least a portion of the pressure sensor is in contact with the contact member
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing slidable relative to the first housing, a contact member disposed in the first housing, a pressure sensor disposed in the second housing to face the contact member and provided in a state in which at least a portion of the pressure sensor is in contact with the contact member, a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the second housing, an actuator configured to drive the second housing, and a processor disposed on the PCB, electrically connected to the pressure sensor and the actuator, and configured to control the actuator, based on pressure information sensed by the pressure sensor.