Conductive Mold Frame and Bracket for Foldable Display ESD Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable display devices face challenges in effectively discharging static electricity, which can lead to defects in thin film transistors and display failures such as green non-uniformity.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates mold frames and brackets made of electrically conductive materials, which are electrically connected to each other, providing a discharge path for static electricity applied to the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If foldable display devices are designed with compact structures, then the form factor is reduced, but static electricity discharge capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform factorVSAvoidstatic electricity discharge capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the mold frame and bracket into a single integrated structure made of electrically conductive material. This merging of components creates a continuous conductive path that provides both structural support and static electricity discharge capability, resolving the contradiction between compact form factor and ESD capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mold frame and bracket serve multiple functions: they provide mechanical support for the display panel, enable the folding mechanism, and simultaneously act as conductive pathways for static electricity discharge. This multi-functionality allows the compact structure to maintain both small form factor and reliable ESD capability

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

2Reliability

If conductive materials are added to provide discharge path, then static electricity discharge capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity discharge capabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the conductive discharge path into the existing mold frame and bracket structure, the patent avoids adding separate conductive components. This integration maintains structural simplicity while providing the required ESD capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mold frame and bracket perform both mechanical functions (support and folding) and electrical functions (static discharge) simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated conductive components, thereby reducing overall device complexity

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

This configuration effectively prevents display failures by ensuring that static electricity is adequately discharged, thereby protecting the thin film transistors and maintaining image quality.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the mold frame and the bracket includes an electrically conductive material, and the mold frame and the bracket are electrically connected to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3786760B1Folding display device
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3786760B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3786760B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3786760B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel, a mold frame at least partially surrounding the display panel, and a bracket at least partially overlapping the mold frame. Each of the mold frame and the bracket includes an electrically conductive material, and the mold frame and the bracket are electrically connected to each other.