Flexible PCB Layout for Sliding Displays and Signal Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic devices with slidable displays face challenges in preventing damage to flexible printed circuit boards due to deformation and interference of signals when the support members slide in and out, causing gaps that affect the circuit boards.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a first and second housing with flexible printed circuit boards that include rigid and flexible regions, connected by a rack and pinion gear system, allowing for smooth sliding movements while protecting the circuit boards from deformation and signal interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the second housing slides in and out of the first housing, then the display can be expanded or contracted, but the flexible printed circuit board may deform or be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay expansionVSAvoidcircuit board integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible printed circuit board is divided into multiple sections: a first flexible PCB in the first housing, a second flexible PCB in the second housing, and a third flexible PCB connecting them. This segmentation allows each section to independently manage deformation during sliding, preventing damage to the entire circuit board while enabling display expansion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the flexible printed circuit board is used to connect printed circuit boards in sliding support members, then the device can be compact, but signal interference may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidsignal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the flexible printed circuit boards and external environments. This magnetic shield blocks external magnetic fields and signals from interfering with the circuit boards, while allowing the compact flexible design to be maintained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4708832A1Electronic device including a plurality of flexible printed circuit boards
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4708832A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4708832A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4708832A1 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.