Foldable Digitizer Loop Layout for Uniform Sensing Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible display devices face issues with interference between wirings, reduced sensing uniformity, unrecognized areas, and manufacturing complexity, particularly in foldable and bendable designs.

Innovation Solution

A digitizer with a base layer and loop groups extending in different directions, including via holes and openings, to prevent wiring interference and improve sensing uniformity, while simplifying manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If loops are arranged in a single direction in existing flexible display devices, then the structure is simple, but wiring interference occurs and sensing uniformity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensing uniformityVSAvoidloop arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loop structure is divided into multiple groups (first loop group extending in first direction, second loop group extending in second direction) with different orientations. This segmentation allows each group to handle specific sensing directions independently, reducing interference while maintaining overall sensing uniformity across the flexible display device surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from single-direction loop arrangement to multi-directional loop arrangement by introducing loops extending in both first and second directions. This dimensional expansion in the loop configuration space enables comprehensive coverage of sensing directions, eliminating blind spots and improving uniformity without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If conventional wiring layouts are used in foldable display devices, then manufacturing is straightforward, but unrecognized areas and interference occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection coverageVSAvoidwiring implementation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the flexible display device are assigned different loop group configurations. The first loop group with loops extending in the first direction addresses interference in specific areas, while the second loop group handles other regions. This localized optimization ensures comprehensive detection coverage without requiring complete redesign of the entire wiring system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces via holes as intermediary structures to connect loops across different layers and directions. These via holes serve as mediators that enable the complex multi-directional loop configuration to be manufactured using standard through-hole technology, bridging the gap between design complexity and manufacturing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If single-direction loops are used, then device structure is simple, but wiring interference and unrecognized areas occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch input precisionVSAvoidloop configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-directional loop configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first loop group detects touches in the first direction, the second loop group detects touches in the second direction, and together they provide comprehensive sensing coverage. This universal design improves touch input precision across all areas without requiring separate systems for different directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4657218A1Digitizer and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4657218A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4657218A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4657218A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A digitizer includes: a first base layer including a first non-folding area, a folding area contacting the first non-folding area, and a second non-folding area contacting the folding area, the first base layer defining a first opening in the folding area, a second opening on one side of the first opening in a first direction, and a first via hole between the first opening and the second opening in plan view; a first loop group including a plurality of loops having a long side extending in the first direction; and a second loop group including a plurality of loops having a long side extending in a second direction crossing the first direction. Some of the plurality of loops included in the first loop group may extend from a lower part of the first base layer to an upper part of the first base layer through the first via hole.