ESD Partition Structure for Foldable Screen Grounding Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro-static discharge (ESD) protection structures in flexible screens face challenges such as increased black edge width, radiated spurious emission (RSE) risks, and secondary discharge due to poor grounding and gap changes during folding, which affect antenna performance and device stability.
Innovation Solution
An electro-static discharge protection structure with a metal partition wall and insulation frame, incorporating a continuous conductive layer and insulation layer, ensures direct current insulation and effective grounding, preventing RSE and secondary discharge by conducting static electricity to the metal housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shield plate is added to block electrostatic discharge, then electrostatic protection is improved, but the number of components and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shield plate and the FPC are merged into a single integrated structure where the shield plate is directly formed on the back side of the FPC. This integration eliminates the need for separate shield plate components while maintaining the electrostatic protection function, thereby reducing device complexity and the number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The FPC is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides electrical connection between components and simultaneously acts as a substrate for the electrostatic shield plate. This multi-functionality allows the shield plate to be formed on the FPC without requiring additional structural support, reducing the overall component count.
2Reliability
If shield plates are disposed at both front and back sides of the connection portion, then electrostatic protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The front and back shield plates are merged with the FPC to form an integrated multi-layer structure. The shield plates are directly formed on the FPC surfaces during the FPC manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If the shield plate is disposed close to the connection portion, then electrostatic protection effectiveness is improved, but the risk of short circuit between signal line and ground line increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shield plate is positioned close to the connection portion where electrostatic protection is most needed, but the FPC's inherent insulation properties and controlled layout ensure adequate spacing between signal lines and ground lines. This localized shielding approach provides effective protection while maintaining electrical isolation through the FPC structure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If FPC with copper foil is used instead of rigid PCB, then device flexibility and integration are improved, but electrostatic protection becomes more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The electrostatic shield plate is directly formed on the back side of the flexible FPC, integrating the shielding function into the FPC structure itself. This approach maintains the flexibility advantages of FPC while effectively implementing electrostatic protection without requiring rigid PCB structures.
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
The solution effectively discharges static electricity, maintains antenna performance, and prevents RSE and secondary discharge, enhancing the reliability and appearance of foldable electronic devices.
Implementation Method 1
When an electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurs, a large electric current is generated in a short time
Implementation Method 2
the shield plate is formed of a conductive material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This application illustrates an electro-static discharge protection structure and an electronic device. One end of a metal partition wall (3) is connected to a metal housing (1), and the other end of the metal partition wall (3) extends in a direction away from the metal housing (1). An end surface (31) is formed at one end away from the metal housing (1). A screen module (4) is disposed on a side of the metal partition wall (3). An insulation frame (2) includes a first side edge (21), a connection part (22), and a second side edge (23). The first side edge (21) is disposed on a side, opposite to the screen module (4), of the metal partition wall (3). The connection part (22) is disposed at one end, away from the metal housing (1), of the first side edge (21). The connection part (22) includes a junction surface (221) attached to the end surface (31) and a first surface (222) facing the screen module (4). An insulation layer is disposed between the junction surface (221) and the end surface (31). The second side edge (23) is disposed on a side, facing the screen module (4), of the connection part (22). The second side edge (23) includes a second surface (231) facing the screen module (4). A continuous conductive layer is disposed on the junction surface (221), the first surface (222), and the second surface (231). The electro-static discharge protection structure in this application prevents a problem of RSE possibly caused by poor grounding and further affecting antenna performance, and prevents secondary discharge.