Display Device Pressure Sensor Waterproofing via Middle Frame Groove

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices face challenges in preventing water and dust permeation when a pressure sensor is disposed at the edge of the display panel, which can lead to malfunction and reduced sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A display device design that includes a middle frame with accommodating grooves for pressure sensors, covered by waterproofing members, and pressure concentration bumps to enhance sensor sensitivity and prevent moisture infiltration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a pressure sensor is disposed at the edge of the display panel, then the sensitivity and operability of the display device are improved, but water and dust can permeate into the sensor area causing malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperability of pressure sensorVSAvoidwaterproofing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The middle frame is divided into a flat portion and a curved portion, with the accommodating groove specifically formed in the curved portion. This segmentation allows the pressure sensor to be positioned at the edge (improving operability) while the curved portion and groove structure create a natural barrier against water and dust (maintaining reliability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first accommodating groove cover and first waterproofing member act as intermediary elements between the pressure sensor and the external environment. The groove cover fits into the accommodating groove to provide physical protection, while the waterproofing member seals the interface, preventing water and dust from reaching the sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the accommodating groove is made larger to fit the pressure sensor, then the sensor can be properly installed, but the sealing effectiveness against water and dust is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor installationVSAvoidwater and dust permeation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first accommodating groove cover is nested within the curved portion of the middle frame, fitting into the accommodating groove. This nested structure allows the groove to be sufficiently large for sensor installation while the groove cover provides an additional protective layer that maintains sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The first waterproofing member functions as a flexible sealing film that conformally seals the accommodating groove cover. This thin film approach allows the groove to remain large enough for sensor installation while the flexible waterproofing member adapts to the groove geometry to prevent water and dust permeation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Measurement precision

If the pressure sensor is exposed at the edge for better touch detection, then the detection precision is improved, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to moisture infiltration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure detection precisionVSAvoidmoisture infiltration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The middle frame exhibits local quality differentiation through its flat portion and curved portion structure. The curved portion locally accommodates the pressure sensor with enhanced protection features (groove and groove cover), while maintaining edge exposure for detection precision. The waterproofing member provides localized sealing exactly where the sensor interface with the external environment occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3605291B1Display device
Publication Date: 2023.07.05 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3605291B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3605291B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3605291B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device (10) includes a display panel (300), a middle frame (600), and a first pressure sensor (510). The middle frame (600) is disposed under the display panel (300). The middle frame (600) includes a first accommodating groove (SH1) extending along a first long side (LS2) of the display panel (300). The first pressure sensor (510) is disposed in the first accommodating groove (SH1).