Flexible Display Input Module for Lightweight Waterproofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices face challenges in maintaining waterproofing while reducing weight, particularly when incorporating input modules for electromagnetic interaction, such as those used with stylus pens, which can increase overall weight and compromise waterproof integrity.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a flexible display with a hinge structure connecting two housings and an input module featuring pattern layers for electromagnetic interaction, along with waterproof adhesives on the housings to maintain waterproof performance and reduce weight by removing unnecessary components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an input module is added for electromagnetic interaction with stylus pens, then the device functionality is improved, but the overall weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidoverall weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes unnecessary components from the input module structure, keeping only the essential pattern layers for electromagnetic interaction. This reduces the weight contribution of the input module while preserving its core functionality for stylus detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The input module uses thin film structures for the pattern layers, which provide the necessary electromagnetic interaction capability with minimal weight. The flexible display substrate serves as a lightweight base for mounting these thin film pattern layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If an input module is added for electromagnetic interaction, then the device functionality is improved, but waterproof integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidwaterproof integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By removing unnecessary components from the input module, the patent reduces the number of interfaces and bonding areas that could potentially compromise waterproofing. The simplified structure with minimal layers reduces leakage paths for moisture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display substrate and thin film pattern layers create a continuous, seamless structure that maintains waterproof integrity. These thin films can be integrated with the flexible display's existing waterproof barriers, preserving the overall seal against moisture ingress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If waterproof components are added to maintain waterproofing, then waterproof performance is improved, but the device weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof performanceVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the waterproofing function with the existing flexible display structure and input module components. The flexible display substrate and pattern layers are designed to serve both as functional elements and as part of the waterproof barrier, eliminating the need for separate heavy waterproofing components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible display substrate and input module pattern layers perform multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electromagnetic interaction capability, structural support, and waterproofing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated waterproofing components that would increase weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This design maintains waterproof performance and planarization of the display surface while minimizing the weight of the input module, ensuring effective protection against moisture ingress.

Implementation Method 1

configured to detect an external object based on an electromagnetic interaction between the external object and the first pattern layer and the second pattern layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12429916B2Electronic device including display

Publication Date: 2025.09.30 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic device includes: a flexible display; an input module disposed between a surface formed by a first housing and a second housing supporting the flexible display and the flexible display, and including a first pattern layer and a second pattern layer; and waterproof adhesives disposed on each of the first housing and the second housing, wherein the first pattern layer is disposed on a surface of the input module facing the waterproof adhesives, and includes first signal patterns and first dummy patterns disposed in an area corresponding to the waterproof adhesive, and wherein the second pattern layer is disposed on the other side of the input module facing the flexible display.