Stepped Battery Layout for Thin Foldable Display Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing power consumption in electronic devices due to added features necessitates larger batteries, which can compromise the usability of devices by increasing size and weight, particularly in foldable models where space utilization is poor.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a stepped battery design that is partially arranged in a second accommodating cavity, allowing for increased volume and capacity without the need for a thick and heavy battery, utilizing a flexible circuit board and chip assembly to optimize space and improve endurance time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the battery size is increased to meet higher power consumption requirements, then the battery capacity is improved, but the device size and weight increase negatively impacting usability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the bent part of the array substrate to create a three-dimensional stepped structure with first and second accommodating cavities at different heights. The stepped battery is arranged in the second accommodating cavity, effectively utilizing vertical space rather than only horizontal expansion. This dimensional change allows increased battery capacity without proportionally increasing device weight and size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The stepped battery is nested within the second accommodating cavity formed by the stepped support plate structure. The bent part of the array substrate is partially arranged in the first accommodating cavity, while the stepped battery is arranged in the second accommodating cavity. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization and accommodates larger battery capacity within constrained device dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If the battery size is increased to meet higher power consumption requirements, then the battery capacity is improved, but the device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a stepped support plate structure with the support body and step part spaced apart by a preset height in the thickness direction, forming first and second accommodating cavities. The stepped battery is arranged in the second accommodating cavity, utilizing vertical space distribution. This approach increases battery capacity while distributing thickness across different zones rather than uniformly increasing overall device thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate is segmented into a support body and a step part spaced apart in the thickness direction, creating distinct first and second accommodating cavities. The stepped battery is specifically arranged in the second accommodating cavity, separating battery placement from other components. This segmentation allows optimized space utilization and prevents uniform thickness increase across the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If more features are added to the electronic device, then the functionality is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a bent part of the array substrate that wraps around the edge of the first side surface, creating a flexible circuit board structure. This bent part is partially arranged in the first accommodating cavity and provides electrical connections. The flexible circuit board design allows for optimized routing and reduced energy loss, supporting enhanced functionality while managing power consumption efficiently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Quantity of substance

If a thick battery is used to increase capacity, then the battery capacity is improved, but the device portability and usability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery capacityVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent distributes battery space utilization across vertical dimensions by creating stepped support plate structures with accommodating cavities at different heights. The stepped battery is arranged in the second accommodating cavity, utilizing vertical space rather than requiring a uniformly thick battery. This approach increases battery capacity while maintaining a thinner overall device profile, improving portability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate structure has different heights and functions in different regions: the support body provides structural support, while the step part creates the second accommodating cavity for battery placement. This local differentiation allows the battery to be positioned in specific zones where space is available, increasing capacity without requiring uniform thickness across the entire device, thus maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4421587A1Electronic device with a stepped battery
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD
  • EP4421587A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4421587A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4421587A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

An electronic device (200) includes: a display screen (1) including an array substrate (11), the array substrate including a substrate body (111) and a bent part (112) connected with a first side surface of the substrate body, and the bent part being bent towards a non-display side of the display screen; a first support plate (2) including a support body (21), a transition part (22) and a step part (23), the transition part connecting the support body with the step part, the support body being connected with the substrate body, and the bent part being partially arranged between the step part and the substrate body; and a stepped battery (3) arranged on a side surface of the first support plate facing away from the display screen.