Foldable Digitizer Structure Using FRP Layers for Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digitizers in display devices face reliability issues due to structural weaknesses, particularly in foldable devices, leading to potential damage and malfunction during repeated folding operations.
Innovation Solution
A digitizer design incorporating a core layer made of polymer, with fiber reinforced plastic insulation layers above and below, and sensing coils between these layers, along with specific thicknesses and arrangements to enhance structural integrity and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional digitizer structure is used in foldable display devices, then the device can be folded, but the reliability deteriorates due to structural weaknesses during repeated folding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) with polymer layers to create a multi-layer structure. The FRP provides structural strength and rigidity to withstand folding stresses, while the polymer layers provide flexibility and cushioning. This composite structure resolves the contradiction by enabling both foldability and reliability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The digitizer is segmented into multiple functional layers: fiber reinforced plastic insulation layers, polymer core layer, and sensing coil layers. Each layer is optimized for specific functions - the FRP layers provide structural support for reliability, while the polymer layers provide flexibility for foldability. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to resolving the contradiction.
2Volume of moving object
If the insulation layers are made thinner to reduce overall thickness, then the device becomes more compact, but the structural integrity worsens leading to potential damage during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) composite material for the insulation layers. FRP provides high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent structural integrity even at reduced thicknesses. The fibrous reinforcement within the plastic matrix maintains structural strength while allowing the layers to be thinner, thus resolving the contradiction between compactness and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies optimal thickness ranges for the insulation layers (40-100 μm) and middle layers (10-60 μm) to achieve the right balance. By carefully controlling these dimensional parameters, the design maintains structural integrity while minimizing overall thickness. The parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between thinness and strength.
3Reliability
If the digitizer structure is reinforced to prevent damage during folding, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional layers and materials
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber reinforced plastic insulation layers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural strength for reliability, electrical insulation for the sensing coils, and dimensional stability for the overall digitizer structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate reinforcement layers, thereby managing complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of FRP composite material consolidates multiple required properties (strength, insulation, rigidity) into a single material system. Rather than adding separate layers for each property, the FRP composite provides all these functions in one integrated layer, thus improving reliability without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A digitizer includes a first non-folding portion, a folding portion having a plurality of holes, and a second non-folding portion, which are arranged along a first direction, where the digitizer includes a core layer including a polymer, a first insulation layer including a fiber reinforced plastic, and disposed above the core layer, a second insulation layer including the fiber reinforced plastic, and disposed below the core layer, and a plurality of sensing coils disposed between the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer.