Flexible Circuit Board Support for Compact Waterproof Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies face challenges in creating compact, waterproof, and cost-effective display devices that can efficiently integrate various components such as display panels, circuit boards, and communication modules.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a cover plate, a display panel, a first circuit board with extension portions, and a rear housing that forms an accommodation space for internal components. This design enhances compactness and stability by using the circuit board to support the display panel, and includes features like a waterproof double-sided adhesive and a Bluetooth module for improved functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a traditional rigid structure is used to support the display panel, then structural strength is improved, but weight and device thickness increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddevice weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a flexible circuit board instead of traditional rigid support structures. The flexible circuit board includes a flexible printed circuit board with adhesive layers that can conform to curved surfaces and provide structural support while maintaining flexibility and reducing weight. This allows the display panel to be supported without requiring heavy rigid frameworks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible circuit board is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers including flexible printed circuit boards, adhesive layers, and protective films. This composite design provides both mechanical strength and flexibility, enabling the structure to support the display panel while remaining lightweight and adaptable to different form factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If more components are integrated into the display device, then functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidcomponent integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the display panel, acts as an electrical connection medium, enables device folding and bending, and allows for integration of additional components like sensors and cameras. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the support structure, electrical connections, and component mounting substrate into a single flexible circuit board assembly. By merging these previously separate functions into one integrated component, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining all necessary functionalities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the display device is made waterproof, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible circuit board itself acts as a barrier layer that can provide waterproof protection when properly sealed. The flexible nature of the circuit board allows it to conform to sealing surfaces and maintain waterproof integrity even when the device is bent or flexed, unlike rigid waterproofing solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible circuit board incorporates waterproof adhesive layers and protective films as integral parts of its composite structure. These layers provide both mechanical bonding and waterproof sealing functions, eliminating the need for separate waterproofing treatments and simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12235562B2Display device
Publication Date: 2025.02.25 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US12235562B2 patent drawing
  • US12235562B2 patent drawing
  • US12235562B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a display device including a cover plate, a display panel, a first circuit board, and a rear housing, wherein the cover plate is connected to the rear housing to form an accommodation space, the display panel is assembled with the first circuit board and is disposed in the accommodation space, and the first circuit board includes a first extension portion and a second extension portion, wherein the first extension portion and the second extension portion are connected, the first extension portion extends in a first direction and is attached to the display panel, and the second extension portion extends in a second direction and is attached to the display panel, the first direction being intersected with the second direction.