Flexible Display Module Shielding and Waterproofing Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices face challenges in simultaneously implementing a shielding structure to protect digitizer panels from external magnetic fields and a waterproof structure to prevent moisture and foreign materials, as these structures often interfere with each other.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display module is designed with a shielding structure comprising multiple shielding members and reinforced plates, and a waterproof structure with waterproof members between reinforced plates, ensuring the digitizer panel operates effectively while being protected from external elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shielding structure is applied to protect the digitizer panel from external magnetic fields, then the digitizer panel can operate with designated quality, but the shielding structure may interfere with the waterproof structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedigitizer panel operation qualityVSAvoidstructure interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding structure is divided into multiple shielding members (first shielding member, second shielding member, third shielding member) positioned at different locations and orientations. Each shielding member segments the magnetic field protection function, allowing the waterproof structure to be integrated between them without compromising overall shielding effectiveness while reducing structural interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different shielding members are positioned to provide localized magnetic field protection where needed. The first shielding member is disposed on the rear surface of the digitizer panel, the second shielding member is positioned between the magnet and digitizer panel, and the third shielding member is disposed on the rear surface of the reinforced plate. This localized approach allows the waterproof structure to pass through gaps between shielding members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a waterproof structure is applied to protect electronic components from moisture and foreign materials, then electronic components are protected, but the waterproof structure may interfere with the shielding structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from moisture and foreign materialsVSAvoidstructure interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof structure is positioned as an intermediary element between the shielding members and the magnet. Specifically, the waterproof structure is disposed between the first and second shielding members, and between the second and third shielding members, allowing it to fulfill its protective function while the shielding members maintain their magnetic field protection function without direct interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof structure is nested within the gaps and spaces between the shielding members and reinforced plates. The waterproof structure including first and second waterproof members is disposed on the rear surface of the reinforced plate, fitting into the layered structure without compromising the shielding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If multiple shielding members and waterproof members are integrated, then both shielding and waterproofing functions are achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecombined shielding and waterproofing functionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforced plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural reinforcement for the digitizer panel, serves as a mounting surface for shielding members (second shielding member and third shielding member), and provides a base for the waterproof structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device structure despite the integrated shielding and waterproofing functions.

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

The solution effectively reduces the influence of magnetic fields on digitizer panels and prevents moisture and foreign materials from entering the device, maintaining the functionality and integrity of electronic components.

Implementation Method 1

a first shielding member which includes a (1-1)st shielding member disposed on the first digitizer panel and a (1-2)nd shielding member disposed on the second digitizer panel, the first shielding member being disposed on the rear surface of the digitizer panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic shielding: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

a waterproof structure including a first waterproof member, at least a part of which is disposed on the rear surface of the first reinforced plate to be disposed between the (2-1)st shielding member and the (2-2)nd shielding member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWaterproofing:

Data Source

PatentEP4344372B1Flexible display module comprising shielding structure and waterproofing structure, and electronic device comprising same
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4344372B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4344372B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4344372B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiment disclosed in the disclosure may include a digitizer panel including a first digitizer panel and a second digitizer panel, a first shielding member which includes a (1-1)st shielding member disposed on the first digitizer panel and a (1-2)nd shielding member disposed on the second digitizer panel, the first shielding member being disposed on the rear surface of the digitizer panel, a reinforced plate disposed on the rear surface of the first shielding member, a second shielding member including a (2-1)st shielding member, at least a part of which is disposed on the rear surface of the (1-1)st shielding member , a (2-2)nd shielding member disposed on the rear surface of the first reinforced plate, and a (2-3)rd shielding member, at least a part of which is disposed on the rear surface of the (1-2)nd shielding member, and a waterproof structure including a first waterproof member, at least a part of which is disposed on the rear surface of the reinforced plate to be disposed between the (2-1)st shielding member and the (2-2)nd shielding member, and a second waterproof member, at least a part of which is disposed on the rear surface of the reinforced plate.