Digitizer Sensing Coils for Foldable Electronic Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic apparatuses with digitizers face challenges in maintaining effective sensing performance during folding operations due to the limitations in the design and arrangement of sensing coils, which affect the apparatus's ability to accurately detect external inputs across different modes.
Innovation Solution
The electronic apparatus incorporates a digitizer with a specific arrangement of sensing coils and base layers, including a folding part with holes and a shielding layer, where the coils are strategically positioned to maintain sensing capability even when the apparatus is folded, utilizing a matrix with fiber-reinforced composite materials for structural support and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensing coils are arranged in a conventional continuous pattern, then sensing coverage is improved, but folding characteristics deteriorate due to structural rigidity and stress concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing coil pattern is divided into multiple independent coil segments separated by gaps, rather than forming a continuous structure. This segmentation allows the digitizer to flex during folding while maintaining sensing capability in each segment, resolving the contradiction between sensing coverage and folding flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the digitizer are designed with different structural properties: the folding area has a grid pattern with gaps for flexibility, while non-folding areas maintain continuous coil structures for optimal sensing. This local differentiation allows each region to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
2Strength
If base layers are made rigid to protect the display module, then protection capability is improved, but folding flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base layers are designed as thin, flexible structures with integrated grid patterns rather than solid rigid plates. This allows the base layers to provide minimal protection while maintaining the flexibility needed for folding operations, eliminating the need for separate rigid protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The digitizer employs a composite structure combining multiple base layers with different properties, including flexible polymer materials that can withstand folding while providing adequate protection. The layered composite design allows simultaneous achievement of protection and flexibility.
3Strength
If multiple base layers are added to improve structural integrity, then protection is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional layers are merged into a single integrated base layer structure with embedded grid patterns and coil segments. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate layers while maintaining structural integrity through the interconnected grid design, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The base layers are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, protection of the display module, flexibility for folding, and integration of sensing coil structures. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated layers for each function, reducing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic apparatus includes a display panel including non-folding areas arranged in a first direction and a folding area between the first and second non-folding areas, and a digitizer disposed under the display panel, where the digitizer includes base layers each including non-folding parts and a folding part in which holes are defined, a first group coil including first to fourth sensing coils each having first and second portions overlapping the non-folding parts and a third portion overlapping the folding part and surrounding a portion of each of corresponding holes of the holes, and a second group coil insulated from the first group coil, where two or fewer third portions are disposed in a same layer between holes adjacent to each other in a second direction crossing the first direction among the holes.