Foldable Display Digitizer Shielding for Reliable Input Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic apparatuses face challenges in reliably detecting external inputs due to interference and structural limitations, particularly in folding areas where electrode patterns and detection sensors are activated.

Innovation Solution

The electronic apparatus incorporates a detection sensor with a digitizer featuring insulated first and second sensing coils, a shielding layer with openings, and a lower member, along with a cushion member to enhance input detection reliability in folding areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shielding layer is added to block electromagnetic interference, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding layer is integrated with the lower member to form a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate shielding components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining electromagnetic interference protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The lower member is designed to serve multiple functions: structural support, electromagnetic shielding, and mechanical protection, thereby improving detection reliability without adding dedicated shielding components that would increase complexity

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

2Ease of operation

If openings are created in the shielding layer for folding flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but shielding effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding flexibilityVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding layer features localized openings only in the folding area where flexibility is needed, while maintaining continuous shielding coverage in the non-folding display areas, thus balancing folding flexibility with electromagnetic interference protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The shielding layer is segmented into multiple regions with different properties: open regions in the folding area for flexibility and continuous shielding regions in the display area for interference protection, allowing each zone to optimize its function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If multiple layers with openings are aligned to improve detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput detection precisionVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The shielding layer and lower member are merged into an integrated component with pre-formed aligned openings, eliminating the need for separate alignment operations and reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining detection precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution improves the reliability of external input detection by minimizing interference and structural stress in folding areas, ensuring consistent sensor performance and durability.

Implementation Method 1

the detection sensor includes a digitizer including first sensing coils and second sensing coils

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a shielding layer disposed below the digitizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP3974946B1Elecronic apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3974946B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3974946B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3974946B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

An electronic apparatus includes a display panel having non-folding areas arranged along a first direction, and a folding area disposed between the non-folding areas and folded along an folding axis extending in a second direction crossing the first direction, a lower protective film disposed below the display panel, a detection sensor disposed below the lower protective film, and a lower member disposed below the detection sensor. The detection sensor includes a digitizer including first sensing coils and second sensing coils, which are insulated and spaced apart from each other, and a shielding layer disposed below the digitizer. The shielding layer overlaps the folding area and a shielding opening is defined through the shielding layer.