Display Connector Reinforcement Structure to Prevent Sagging

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Solution Overview

Problem

The connector assembly in display devices is prone to sagging, which can lead to structural instability and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A reinforcing member with a reinforcing film and anti-bending portions is introduced, extending from the circuit board to the connector assembly, with anti-bending portions folded to overlap and provide additional support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the connector assembly is made flexible for connection, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability deteriorates causing sagging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector connection flexibilityVSAvoidconnector assembly stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing member is divided into multiple segments: a base portion attached to the circuit board, extending portions that bridge to the connector assembly, and anti-bending portions with folded structures. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the base provides anchoring, the extending portions provide support span, and the folded portions provide reinforcement without interfering with connector flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anti-bending portions are folded back along the thickness direction of the reinforcing member, creating a multi-layered structure. This dimensional change adds structural reinforcement in the vertical dimension while maintaining the horizontal flexibility needed for connector operation. The folded structure increases the moment of inertia without adding significant horizontal bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a reinforcing member is added to prevent sagging, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector assembly stabilityVSAvoidconnector assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing member is constructed as a thin, flexible structure that can be attached to both rigid circuit boards and flexible connector assemblies. This thin-film approach provides necessary mechanical reinforcement without adding significant bulk or complexity to the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing member incorporates flexible portions that allow dynamic movement and bending, enabling the structure to adapt to the operational requirements of the connector assembly while maintaining stability. The dynamic flexibility ensures the reinforcing member does not interfere with the connector's movement during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the reinforcing member extends fully from circuit board to connector, then support effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-sagging support strengthVSAvoidreinforcing member alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforcing member is segmented into a base portion, extending portions, and anti-bending portions. This segmentation allows each segment to be positioned and attached independently, reducing the cumulative alignment errors that would occur in a single continuous piece. The base portion is attached to the circuit board first, then the extending portions bridge to the connector, with each attachment point serving as an independent reference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The reinforcing member provides more support than the minimum required by extending beyond the immediate connector area and attaching to the circuit board. This excessive support coverage compensates for potential alignment variations and ensures adequate reinforcement even if precise alignment is difficult to achieve during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250377697A1Display device
Publication Date: 2025.12.11 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20250377697A1 patent drawing
  • US20250377697A1 patent drawing
  • US20250377697A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel, a circuit board electrically connected to the display panel, a connector assembly electrically connected to the circuit board, and a reinforcing member disposed on the circuit board, where the reinforcing member includes a reinforcing film extending from one surface of the circuit board to one surface of the connector assembly, and an anti-bending portion extending from one surface of the reinforcing film in a direction crossing a direction in which the reinforcing film extends.