Foldable Display Input Sensor Structure With Integrated EM Shield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible display devices with separate digitizers and electromagnetic shields result in a thickened structure, compromising portability and durability.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an input sensor on the display panel that senses both touch and stylus inputs, combined with an electromagnetic shield layer and support plate with openings, to maintain functionality without adding bulk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate digitizer and electromagnetic shield layer are disposed under the display panel, then the digitizer can sense inputs through a stylus, but the display panel thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestylus input sensing capabilityVSAvoiddisplay panel thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the digitizer and electromagnetic shield layer into a single integrated structure. The digitizer is disposed directly on the electromagnetic shield layer, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall thickness while maintaining stylus sensing capability and electromagnetic shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the electromagnetic shield layer provides electromagnetic interference shielding, while the digitizer layer provides stylus input sensing. This multi-functional integration reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing thickness without compromising functionality.

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

2Reliability

If multiple separate layers (display panel, digitizer, electromagnetic shield) are stacked, then each layer can perform its specific function, but the overall device structure becomes more complex and less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional performance of each layerVSAvoidnumber of separate layers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the digitizer and electromagnetic shield layer into a single integrated assembly, reducing the number of separate layers from three (display panel, digitizer, electromagnetic shield) to two (display panel, integrated digitizer-shield assembly). This reduces structural complexity while maintaining the functional performance of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a thick display panel structure is used with separate digitizer and shield layers, then electromagnetic shielding and stylus sensing are effective, but the device portability and durability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic shielding effectivenessVSAvoiddevice portability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the digitizer and electromagnetic shield layer into a single structure, the patent reduces the overall thickness and weight of the display assembly. This integration maintains electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and stylus sensing capability while improving device portability through reduced mass.

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 reduces the thickness of the display panel while enhancing flexibility and durability, enabling compact and versatile foldable devices with advanced input capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive layer disposed between the electromagnetic shield layer and the support plate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

a separate shield layer is then used to shield electromagnetic waves that affect an operation of the digitizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Data Source

PatentEP4685621A1Display device and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4685621A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4685621A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4685621A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel including a folding area. An input sensor is disposed on the display panel. The input sensor senses a first input by a touch of a user and a second input by a pen or stylus. A base film is disposed under the display panel. An electromagnetic shield layer is disposed under the base film. A support plate is disposed under the electromagnetic shield layer. Openings overlapping the folding area are defined in the support plate. An adhesive layer is disposed between the electromagnetic shield layer and the support plate.