Foldable Display Antenna Isolation With Protruding Separator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable electronic devices with flexible displays face issues of unfixed structures leading to gaps where foreign objects can enter, potentially causing conduction between antennas and degrading communication performance.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a first and second housing connected by a hinge structure with a flexible display, featuring antennas separated by a segmenter or adhesive member, and a protruding insulator to prevent conduction between antennas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a foldable flexible display is disposed over the entire area of the housing structure, then the display area is increased, but the housing structure becomes unfixed and gaps are created between components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidhousing structure stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into multiple components (first housing, second housing, plate) that can be separately positioned and assembled. The plate is further segmented with protrusions that fit into corresponding recesses in the housing, creating a modular structure that maintains stability while accommodating the foldable display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plate is nested within the housing structure, with the plate protrusions fitting into housing recesses. This nested arrangement allows the components to be tightly integrated, preventing gaps while maintaining the flexibility needed for the foldable display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used in the foldable part, then the functionality is enhanced, but gapped spaces are created where foreign objects can enter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoldable functionalityVSAvoidforeign object intrusion
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Specific regions of the housing and plate are designed with complementary geometries (protrusions and recesses) that create tight fits in critical areas. This local optimization ensures that gaps are eliminated at component interfaces without compromising the overall foldable functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If antennas are placed in the housing, then wireless communication is enabled, but conduction between antennas may occur due to foreign objects in gaps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidcommunication performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plate acts as an intermediary structure between the housing and the foldable display. Its protrusions fit into housing recesses to eliminate gaps, and the adhesive member serves as an intermediary material that fills remaining spaces and provides electrical insulation, preventing conduction between antennas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive member is a simple, easily applied material that effectively seals gaps and provides insulation. While the adhesive itself is not permanent, it creates a reliable barrier against foreign objects and electrical conduction throughout the product lifecycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP4395286B1Electronic device comprising flexible display
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4395286B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4395286B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4395286B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: a first housing; a second housing which is connected to the first housing via a hinge structure, and which provides a relative motion with respect to the first housing; and a flexible display arranged on the second housing by crossing the hinge structure, from the first housing. The electronic device comprises: at least two antennas on at least a portion of at least one of the first housing or the second housing; and a segmentation portion arranged between the antennas, wherein a separation member is arranged to be adjacent to one portion of the segmentation portion that is towards the flexible display, and at least a portion of the separation member can protrude further towards the flexible display than the antennas do.