Electronic Device Window Protection via Nested Cushion Module Recesses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in expanding their active area while maintaining product reliability, particularly in preventing damage to the window from electronic modules.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a window, a display panel, a cushion member, and electronic modules that are strategically positioned and secured through holes with varying sizes and depths, ensuring that the modules do not collide with the window and that the active area is maximized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If electronic modules are positioned closer to the window to maximize active area, then the ratio of active area to front surface increases, but the probability of window damage from module collision increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactive areaVSAvoidwindow damage probability

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic modules are nested within recesses formed in the cushion member, which itself is positioned between the window and the modules. This nested structure allows the modules to be housed within the thickness of the cushion member, maximizing the active area while maintaining a safe distance from the window to prevent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of positioning modules in the planar dimension close to the window, the invention utilizes the thickness dimension of the cushion member to house the modules in recesses. This dimensional transition allows modules to be embedded within the cushion member's depth, achieving both compact arrangement and protection from the window.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If holes for electronic modules are made larger to facilitate module insertion, then ease of assembly improves, but structural integrity of the display panel and cushion member may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule insertion easeVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The hole structure is segmented into multiple portions: a first hole portion through the display panel and a second hole portion through the cushion member. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the first hole portion can be smaller to maintain display panel strength, while the second hole portion can be larger to facilitate module insertion into the cushion member recess.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hole dimensions vary at different locations and depths. The first hole portion through the display panel has different dimensions than the second hole portion through the cushion member. This local variation in hole quality allows the structure to maintain overall integrity while providing sufficient opening for module insertion at the appropriate location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple layers are added between the window and electronic modules to protect the window, then window protection improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow protectionVSAvoidnumber of layers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a protective layer between the window and electronic modules, provides structural support, houses the modules within its recesses, and maintains the spacing required for heat dissipation and signal transmission. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective function, structural support function, and module housing function are merged into a single cushion member component. Instead of having separate protective layers, support structures, and housing elements, these functions are integrated into the cushion member, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining window protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20250048546A1Electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.02.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes a window, a display panel disposed under the window, a cushion member disposed under the display panel, and a first electronic module disposed under the window and inserted into a first hole defined in the display panel and the cushion member. The first hole includes a first hole portion defined in the display panel, and a second hole portion defined in the cushion member. The second hole portion has a width greater than a width of the first hole portion.