17713156. FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME simplified abstract (SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.)
FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME
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FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17713156 titled 'FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND METHOD FOR OPERATING THE SAME
Simplified Explanation
The abstract describes a foldable electronic device with a foldable enclosure consisting of multiple sub-enclosures. The device includes a hinge that allows the enclosure to be folded or unfolded by rotating the sub-enclosures. A biaser applies a rotational force to the hinge to unfold the device. Inside one of the sub-enclosures, there is a follower that can move incrementally during folding or unfolding. A stop can selectively restrict the movement of the follower, and an actuator controls the folding and unfolding of the device by controlling the contact between the stop and the follower.
- The device has a foldable enclosure consisting of multiple sub-enclosures.
- A hinge connects the sub-enclosures and allows the device to be folded or unfolded.
- A biaser applies a force to unfold the device.
- A follower inside one of the sub-enclosures can move incrementally during folding or unfolding.
- A stop can restrict the movement of the follower.
- An actuator controls the folding and unfolding by controlling the contact between the stop and the follower.
Potential Applications
- Mobile phones or tablets with foldable screens.
- Foldable laptops or notebooks.
- Portable gaming devices with a foldable design.
- Foldable electronic maps or navigation devices.
Problems Solved
- Provides a mechanism for folding and unfolding electronic devices.
- Enables compact and portable designs without compromising screen size.
- Allows for versatile usage scenarios by adjusting the device's form factor.
Benefits
- Enhanced portability and convenience.
- Larger screen size when unfolded.
- Protection of the screen and other components when folded.
- Enables new form factors and designs for electronic devices.
Original Abstract Submitted
A foldable electronic device includes a foldable enclosure including a plurality of sub-enclosures, a hinge coupled to ends of the plurality of sub-enclosures to interconnect the sub-enclosures and to allow the foldable enclosure to be folded or unfolded by rotation of the sub-enclosures, a biaser to apply a rotational force to the hinge in a direction that causes the foldable enclosure to be unfolded, a follower located inside any one of the sub-enclosures and supported for incremental movement during folding or unfolding of the foldable enclosure, a stop to selectively come into contact with or be separated from the follower to selectively restrict the movement of the follower, and an actuator to selectively control folding and unfolding of the foldable electronic device by selectively causing the stop to come into contact with or be separated from the follower.
