Foldable Display Bending Area Layout for Static Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable display devices are susceptible to electric impacts due to external static electricity introduced through the space between the cover window and the housing during bending operations.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an antistatic member made of the same material as the touch electrodes, disposed in the bending area to dissipate static electricity to a ground terminal, minimizing electrical interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the cover window is separated from the housing during bending operation, then the foldable display device achieves flexibility and bending capability, but external static electricity can introduce into the device through the space between cover window and housing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending capabilityVSAvoidexternal static electricity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An antistatic member is introduced as an intermediary component between the cover window and housing. This member includes conductive material that provides a controlled path for static electricity, preventing uncontrolled electrostatic discharge into the device while allowing the cover window to remain separated during bending operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of static electricity accumulation into a beneficial controlled discharge mechanism. The antistatic member with its specific resistance value range (10^3 to 10^9 ohms) allows static electricity to be safely dissipated through a predetermined path, transforming the potential damage into a controlled electrical flow that protects internal components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover window and housing are tightly attached, then external static electricity is blocked, but the sliding phenomenon occurs during bending operation affecting display quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestatic electricity blockingVSAvoiddisplay quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different properties to different regions: the cover window maintains local sliding capability during bending to preserve display quality, while the antistatic member provides localized electrical protection. This regional differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of display quality and static electricity protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Prevents or minimizes electric impacts by effectively grounding external static electricity, protecting the internal components of the foldable display device.

Implementation Method 1

an antistatic member disposed in the bending area and including the same material as the touch electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12505770B2Foldable display device

Publication Date: 2025.12.23 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A foldable display device includes a substrate including a display area including a folding area and a non-display area surrounding the display area and including a bending area and a pad area; a pixel circuit unit disposed on the substrate in the display area; an encapsulation portion disposed on the pixel circuit unit; a touch sensing unit disposed on the encapsulation portion and including touch electrodes; a plurality of lines disposed on the bending area; and an antistatic member disposed in the bending area and including the same material as the touch electrodes.