Foldable Display Support Plates With Gap-Covering Protection Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face the challenge of foreign substances, such as dust, entering the space between the display and the support plate when the device is folded, potentially causing defects on the display.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a protection layer that is in contact with support plates on at least some areas and is disposed between the support plates and the connection structure, covering the exposed area of the flexible display when the device is folded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the support plate is attached only to some areas of the flexible display to allow pivoting, then the flexibility and portability of the device is improved, but foreign substances can flow into the space between the display and support plate causing defects
Solution Approach 1:
A protection layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible display and the support plate. This protection layer covers the space that would otherwise be exposed when the device folds, preventing foreign substances from entering while allowing the support plate to remain partially detached for flexibility. The protection layer acts as a barrier that mediates between the conflicting requirements of foldability and contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection layer is implemented as a thin film structure that can flex and move with the display during folding operations. This thin film covers the vulnerable space between the display and support plate, preventing dust and foreign substances from entering while maintaining the flexibility needed for the device to pivot from unfolded to folded states.
2Strength
If the support plate is attached to the flexible display, then structural support is improved, but the operation trace of the flexible display is hindered when pivoting
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is segmented such that it is attached only to certain areas of the flexible display rather than the entire surface. This partial attachment provides structural support where needed while leaving other areas free to move and flex during pivoting operations. The segmentation allows the support plate to provide strength without completely restricting the display's operational trace.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment between the support plate and flexible display is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid throughout. The support plate can be attached to some areas while remaining spaced apart from other areas, allowing the structure to adapt its rigidity based on the operational state. This dynamic configuration provides support during static periods while allowing flexibility during pivoting.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device including a foldable housing including a first housing, a second housing, and a connection structure; a flexible display; a first plate including at least a portion disposed on a lower end of a first area of the display and a first periphery; a second plate including at least a portion disposed on a lower end of a second area of the display, and a second periphery; and a protection layer. When the electronic device is in an unfolded state, the first periphery and the second periphery are configured to be in contact with the display. When the electronic device pivots from the unfolded state to a folded state, the first periphery and the second periphery are configured to be spaced apart from the display, and the protection layer is configured to cover an area of the display exposed between the first periphery and the second periphery.