Bendable Conductive Member for Sliding Electronic Device Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Deformable slidable electronic devices face challenges in accurately detecting the slid-in and slid-out states due to thickened black matrix areas and fluctuating distances between detection members and flexible displays, leading to reduced detection resolution and potential malfunctions.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a bendable conductive member that varies contact with a sensing member during sliding operations, allowing for high-resolution detection of the slid-in and slid-out states without increasing device thickness, using existing components and optimizing mounting space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the black matrix area is thickened to ensure touch sensor detection of the member to be detected, then detection reliability is improved, but device thickness increases and slimming effect is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive member is introduced as an intermediary component between the touch sensor and the member to be detected. This conductive member has a bent shape that extends from the touch sensor toward the member to be detected, serving as a mediator that enables detection without requiring direct contact or thickening of the black matrix area. The conductive member can be configured as a separate component or integrated into existing structures, allowing the touch sensor to detect the member's position through changes in electrical properties caused by the conductive member's proximity or contact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the distance between the member to be detected and the flexible display is increased to improve detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the fluctuation in distance during operation increases and detection resolution is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddetection resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive member is designed with a bent shape that is dynamically configured to maintain an substantially equal distance from the member to be detected throughout the sliding operation. The bent structure allows the conductive member to adapt to position changes while preserving a consistent detection gap, preventing distance fluctuation and maintaining high detection resolution during the entire range of motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of manufacture

If existing components are used to build the sensing structure to reduce manufacturing cost, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases and mounting space efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsensing structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive member is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element, an electrical conductor for the touch sensor, and a positioning reference for the member to be detected. By making the conductive member multi-functional, the sensing structure leverages existing components and structures within the device, avoiding the need for separate dedicated sensing elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Ensures accurate detection of the electronic device's states with high resolution, contributing to cost reduction and slimming the device design while maintaining efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

a bendable conductive member including one end connected to the first housing and another end connected to the second housing, wherein the conductive member is arranged such that contact with the sensing member varies according to the sliding operation of the second housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4167046B1Electronic device including sensing structure
Publication Date: 2024.10.09 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4167046B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4167046B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4167046B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic device comprising: a first housing; a second housing which is coupled to the first housing to be slidable a predetermined reciprocating distance; a bendable member which forms the same plane according to retracted/expanded states; a flexible display; a sensing member; and a conductive member which is bendable such that the contact of the conductive member with the sensing member can be changed according to the sliding operation of the second housing.