Foldable Display Module Connection Layout Without Flexible PCB
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible printed circuit boards in foldable electronic devices are prone to damage due to repeated folding and unfolding, necessitating a more reliable electrical connection mechanism between housings.
Innovation Solution
A display module with conductive circuits extending to connection portions that connect first and second printed circuit boards, eliminating the need for a flexible printed circuit board and expanding space for electronic components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flexible printed circuit board is used to connect electrical components in two housings, then electrical connection between housings is achieved, but the flexible printed circuit board is damaged due to repeated folding and unfolding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical connection function into two separate rigid printed circuit boards, one in each housing, connected through rigid connection portions in the display module. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single flexible circuit board to span the hinge, thereby preventing damage from repeated folding while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a flexible printed circuit board that bends with the hinge motion, the patent inverts the approach by using rigid printed circuit boards that remain stationary relative to their respective housings. The display module's rigid connection portions accommodate the hinge motion while maintaining rigid electrical connections, effectively inverting the traditional flexible connection approach.
2Reliability
If a flexible printed circuit board is used to connect electrical components, then electrical connection is established, but space for arranging electronic components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flexible printed circuit board from the system and replaces it with rigid printed circuit boards integrated into each housing. This extraction eliminates the space-consuming flexible board while maintaining electrical connection functionality through the rigid connection portions in the display module.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a planar flexible printed circuit board to a three-dimensional arrangement of rigid printed circuit boards connected through rigid connection portions. This dimensional change allows the electrical connections to be established without occupying the same space, thereby expanding the volume available for electronic components.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a first housing, a second housing connected to the first housing to be foldable with respect to the first housing, a first printed circuit board disposed in the first housing, a second printed circuit board disposed in the second housing, a display module disposed on a front surface of the electronic device, the display module comprising connection portions that area, partially deformed by the movement of the second housing relative to the first housing, and are respectively connected to the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board, and one or more conductive circuits disposed in the display module and extending to the connection portions, to be electrically connected to the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board.