Digitizer Coil and Dummy Line Layout for Dumbbell Folding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable display devices face challenges in easily accommodating a digitizer while maintaining flexibility and durability during folding, particularly when adopting a dumbbell shape.

Innovation Solution

A digitizer design with specific coil configurations and dummy lines that allow for easier folding, incorporating a cover layer with lower elastic modulus to enhance flexibility and a support structure that maintains structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a digitizer is incorporated into a foldable display device, then the device functionality is improved, but the folding flexibility and ease of folding are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidfolding flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The digitizer is divided into multiple independent coil patterns (first coil patterns and second coil patterns) arranged in different regions. This segmentation allows each coil pattern to be independently configured to accommodate folding requirements while maintaining overall digitizer functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the digitizer are designed with different properties: first coil patterns are disposed in a first region while second coil patterns are disposed in a second region. This local differentiation enables optimized electromagnetic sensing in each region while accommodating the folding mechanism's structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If the digitizer is made flexible to enable folding, then the folding capability is improved, but the structural integrity and durability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The digitizer employs a flexible substrate that can be bent and folded without breaking. This flexible film structure maintains the digitizer's electromagnetic sensing capability while enabling the folding motion required for flexible display devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The coil patterns are segmented and strategically disposed in different regions, with certain areas designed to accommodate folding while maintaining structural strength. This segmentation allows the digitizer to flex without compromising the integrity of the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables a digitizer to be folded in a dumbbell shape without compromising its functionality, enhancing user convenience and durability.

Implementation Method 1

The digitizer may recognize the position of a pen by sensing an electromagnetic change caused by the pen contacting or being placed in proximity to the display device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic sensing: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4379514B1Digitizer and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4379514B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4379514B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4379514B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A digitizer includes a first sensing coil disposed in an active region, a first dummy line disposed in the same layer as the first sensing coil, a second sensing coil disposed below the first sensing coil in the active region, a second dummy line disposed in the same layer as the second sensing coil, a bridge line disposed below the second sensing coil, and a third dummy line disposed in the same layer as the bridge line. At least two dummy lines among the first, second, and third dummy lines extend in the same direction.