Trimless Foldable Displays with Extended Cover Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable electronic devices with traditional trims face issues such as interference with user interaction, reduced active display area, and exposure to contaminants due to open-design hinge mechanisms, which compromise user experience and mechanical integrity.
Innovation Solution
A trimless foldable display design featuring a cover layer that extends beyond the edges of the display panel, combined with a compliant material between the housing and the display panel, eliminating the need for a perimeter trim and enhancing protection against environmental contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a traditional trim is used to surround the display perimeter, then the display panel is protected, but the active display area is reduced and user interaction is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional trim component entirely from the display structure. Instead of keeping the trim as a protective element, the invention extracts this function and redistributes it to the cover layer and compliant material, enabling a trimless design that maximizes display area while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover layer is given multiple functions: it serves as both the protective outer layer and the element that extends beyond the display panel to provide the protection previously offered by the trim. The compliant material also performs multiple roles including cushioning, sealing, and structural support, eliminating the need for separate trim components.
2Device complexity
If an open-design hinge mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the display panel is exposed to environmental contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible cover layer that extends beyond the display panel and a compliant material layer to create a protective barrier. These flexible elements can accommodate the open hinge design while still preventing environmental contaminants from reaching the display panel, maintaining both simplicity and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant material acts as an intermediary between the open hinge mechanism and the display panel. It provides a sealing function that blocks contaminants while allowing the hinge to remain exposed and simple in design, mediating between the need for simplicity and the need for protection.
3Shape
If the cover layer extends beyond the display panel edges, then trimless design is achieved, but additional protection mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective functions into the cover layer itself by extending it beyond the display panel edges. The cover layer is combined with the compliant material to create an integrated protection system that achieves the trimless shape without requiring separate, additional protection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining the rigid cover layer with the flexible compliant material. This composite approach provides both the aesthetic trimless shape and the necessary mechanical protection, achieving the desired form without increasing overall device complexity.
4Area of stationary object
If trim is removed to maximize display area, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but mechanical protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by placing a compliant material layer between the display panel and the housing. This cushioning layer is positioned in advance to absorb mechanical shocks and stresses, protecting the display panel from damage that would otherwise occur in a trimless design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite materials where the rigid cover layer provides structural integrity and the flexible compliant material provides shock absorption. This combination maintains mechanical protection strength while enabling the trimless design that maximizes display area and improves aesthetics.
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
This design enhances user interaction, maximizes the active display area, and reduces mechanical and electrical risks by providing comprehensive protection to the display panel without the aesthetic and functional drawbacks of traditional trims.
Implementation Method 1
a first compliant material disposed (i) between the housing and the display panel
Implementation Method 2
at least portions of the cover layer extend beyond one or more edges of the display panel
Data Source
AI summary
This document describes systems and techniques directed at trimless foldable displays. In aspects, a foldable electronic device includes a foldable display structure having a cover layer and a display panel positioned thereunder. At least portions of the cover layer may extend beyond one or more edges of the display panel. The foldable electronic device may further include a first compliant material disposed (i) between the housing and the display panel and (ii) underneath the at least portions of the cover layer that extend beyond the one or more edges of the display panel. Through such an implementation, the display panel of the foldable electronic device may be protected by the cover glass and/or the first compliant material. As a result, the foldable electronic device can do away with a display trim that would otherwise surround a perimeter of the display.