Flexible Display Touch Integration via Body Merging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional touch panels for flexible displays are too thick, which is not suitable for collapsible designs, causing optical degradation and increasing the roll radius beyond acceptable limits, especially when integrated with rollable flexible displays.

Innovation Solution

Integrating touch functionality into the body of the electronic apparatus, eliminating the need for additional layers by using rigid flaps with displacement means to support and position the flexible display, thereby maintaining minimal thickness and preventing damage during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional touch panel is added on top of a flexible display, then touch functionality is achieved, but the thickness increases and optical performance degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoidthickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch-sensitive unit with the body structure of the electronic apparatus, integrating the touch function into the existing rigid body rather than adding a separate touch panel layer. This merging approach eliminates the need for additional thickness while maintaining touch functionality through the rigid body's structural design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a conventional touch panel is added on top of a flexible display, then touch functionality is achieved, but optical clarity is reduced due to Newton rings and increased reflection

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoidoptical degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the touch-sensitive unit directly into the body structure, the patent eliminates the interface between separate touch panel and display layers that causes Newton rings and light reflection. The unified structure removes the harmful optical effects while preserving touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a thick touch panel is integrated with a flexible display, then touch functionality is achieved, but the roll radius exceeds acceptable limits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoidroll radius

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch-sensitive unit with the body structure, eliminating the need for a thick separate touch panel. This integration maintains the flexible display's thin profile, allowing it to be rolled to an acceptable radius while retaining full touch functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If additional layers are added to enable touch functionality, then touch capability is achieved, but the minimal thickness of the flexible display is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoidthickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch-sensitive unit with the existing body structure, eliminating the need for additional layers. This integration approach achieves touch functionality while preserving the minimal thickness of the flexible display system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2521002B1An electronic apparatus with a flexible display having a body enabling touch functionality

Publication Date: 2018.03.21 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

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AI summary

The invention relates to an electronic apparatus 10 comprising a body 14 about which a collapsible flexible display 16 is wrapped. In accordance with the invention the body 14 comprises an area 16a on which the flexible display is conceived to overlay in its extended state. This area may be provided with illumination unit for enabling a front illumination of the display in use and/or with a touch-sensitive area 13 for enabling touch functionality in use.