Flexible PCB Layout for Sliding Displays With Signal Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with slidable displays face issues of damage and signal interference due to deformation of flexible printed circuit boards (PCBs) and cables, particularly when the gap between support members varies.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a foldable structure for flexible printed circuit boards in electronic devices, which includes multiple PCBs to prevent damage and shield external signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible printed circuit board is used to connect printed circuit boards in support members with variable gaps, then the electronic device can accommodate state changes (sliding/rolling), but the flexible printed circuit board may deform and suffer damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to state changesVSAvoiddamage prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible printed circuit board is divided into multiple sections including a first section, second section, third section, and fourth section. These segments can independently deform and adjust to accommodate gap changes between support members, distributing mechanical stress and preventing damage to any single section while maintaining electrical connectivity during device state transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If multiple flexible printed circuit boards are used to prevent deformation damage, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple flexible printed circuit boards are combined in parallel to connect the same printed circuit boards. This configuration provides redundant pathways for electrical signals and mechanically distributes deformation stress across multiple boards, enhancing reliability without requiring complex individual board designs or additional support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If flexible printed circuit boards are disposed close to each other to save space, then the device compactness improves, but signal interference between the flexible printed circuit boards increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A shielding layer is introduced as an intermediary between adjacent flexible printed circuit boards. This shielding layer acts as an electromagnetic barrier that blocks signal interference between the closely spaced boards while occupying minimal space, allowing the device to maintain compact dimensions without sacrificing signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Object-generated harmful factors

If a shielding structure is added to prevent signal interference, then the signal integrity improves, but the device complexity and volume increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal interference preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible shielding film is used instead of rigid shielding structures. This thin film provides effective electromagnetic shielding between flexible printed circuit boards while maintaining flexibility to accommodate device state changes and occupying minimal space, avoiding the complexity and volume increase associated with traditional rigid shielding solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4243385B1Electronic device including a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4243385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4243385B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4243385B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The electronic device according to an embodiment include a first support member, a second support member slidably coupled to the first support member in a first direction, a first printed circuit board connected to an antenna module disposed on the first support member, a second printed circuit board disposed on the second support member, a first flexible printed circuit board electrically connecting the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board; and a second flexible printed circuit board, and the first flexible printed circuit board includes a conductive layer distinct from a signal line, is spaced apart from the second flexible printed circuit board, and overlaps the second flexible printed circuit board when the second support member is viewed in a direction perpendicular to a direction in which the display faces. Various other embodiments are possible.