Foldable Electronic Apparatus Dual-Layer Functional Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic apparatuses face challenges in balancing flexibility for bending and reliability against external impacts, with existing designs often compromising on impact resistance.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a dual-layer functional structure, with a first functional layer closer to the window and a second functional layer closer to the electronic panel, both being foldable and optimized in thickness and modulus to enhance impact resistance and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If layers are made flexible to enable bending and folding, then flexibility is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple functional layers with different mechanical properties. The first functional layer has a thickness of 50-100 μm and modulus of 100-2000 MPa, while the second functional layer has a thickness of 30-50 μm and modulus of 3-8 GPa. This composite structure allows the apparatus to maintain flexibility for folding while the higher-modulus second layer provides impact resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by positioning layers with different mechanical properties at specific locations. The softer first functional layer is placed closer to the window for flexibility, while the stiffer second functional layer is placed farther from the window to provide localized impact resistance where needed, optimizing both folding capability and impact protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Device complexity

If a single functional layer is used, then device complexity is reduced, but both flexibility and impact resistance cannot be simultaneously optimized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer structureVSAvoidoverall performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the functional layer into two distinct layers with different thicknesses and moduli. The first functional layer (50-100 μm, 100-2000 MPa) and second functional layer (30-50 μm, 3-8 GPa) are segmented to perform different functions, allowing simultaneous optimization of flexibility and impact resistance without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12306380B2Electronic apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.05.20 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes an electronic panel foldable together with a window; and a first functional layer and a second functional layer each foldable together with the window and the electronic panel. The second functional layer is disposed farther from the window than the first functional layer, and has a thickness in a range from about micrometers to about 50 micrometers and a modulus in a range from about 3 gigapascals to about 8 gigapascals, and the first functional layer is disposed closer to the window than the second functional layer, and has both a thickness equal to or greater than that of the second functional layer, and a modulus less than that of the second functional layer.