Foldable Display Panel Support Structure for EM Wave Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices, particularly bendable and foldable ones, face challenges in reducing thickness while effectively blocking and absorbing electromagnetic waves.

Innovation Solution

A display device design incorporating a panel support layer with a specific structure, including layers of fibers extending in different directions and a lower functional layer containing magnetic metal powder, which enhances electromagnetic wave absorption and maintains uniform thickness across folding and non-folding areas.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the display device is made thinner to improve portability, then the thickness is reduced, but the electromagnetic wave blocking and absorption performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovethicknessVSAvoidelectromagnetic wave blocking and absorption performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials in the panel support layer, specifically combining fibers (carbon fiber or glass fiber) with magnetic metal powder. This composite structure enables the layer to maintain mechanical support functionality while simultaneously providing effective electromagnetic wave absorption and blocking, thereby resolving the contradiction between thinning the device and maintaining electromagnetic wave protection performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the electromagnetic wave absorption function in a specific layer (the panel support layer containing magnetic metal powder) rather than distributing it throughout the entire device. This allows other layers to be minimized for thickness reduction while the specific layer maintains excellent electromagnetic wave blocking and absorption capabilities

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display device is made bendable or foldable to provide wider display screen and portability, then the display area flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay area flexibilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the panel support structure into multiple layers with fibers extending in different directions (first direction and second direction). This segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to the overall flexibility and structural integrity, enabling bendable and foldable functionality while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular layering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel support layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, enables flexibility for bending and folding, and absorbs electromagnetic waves. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing structural complexity

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

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 achieves reduced thickness and improved electromagnetic wave blocking and absorption performance, making the display device more portable and functional.

Implementation Method 1

a lower functional layer containing magnetic metal powder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the lower functional layer contains magnetic metal powder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic metal powder absorption: Ferromagnetic Powder

Implementation Method 3

a first layer including first fiber extending in a first direction, a second layer on the first layer and including second fiber extending in a second direction different from the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFiber reinforcement: Composite Materials

Data Source

PatentEP4675406A1Display device and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4675406A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4675406A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4675406A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes: a display panel including an emission material layer and a touch sensor layer on the emission material layer and including a digitizer; and a panel support layer under the display panel, wherein the panel support layer includes: a first layer including a first fiber extending in a first direction, a second layer on the first layer and including a second fiber extending in a second direction different from the first direction, a third layer on the second layer and including the first fiber extending in the first direction, and a lower functional layer including a magnetic metal powder.