Foldable Display Input Sensor Layout With EM Shielding and Thin Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices, particularly flexible or foldable ones, face challenges in reducing thickness while maintaining input sensing functionality and electromagnetic shielding without adding bulk, often requiring separate components like digitizers which increase thickness.

Innovation Solution

A display device design with integrated input sensing parts that handle both touch and pen/stylus inputs, combined with specialized electromagnetic shielding and a layered architecture including a support plate with openings, to maintain flexibility and durability without increasing thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate digitizer and shield layer are disposed under the display panel, then electromagnetic shielding and input sensing functionality are improved, but the thickness of the display panel increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic shieldingVSAvoiddisplay panel thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the digitizer and electromagnetic shield layer into a single integrated structure. The support plate serves dual functions: it provides mechanical support for the display panel and simultaneously acts as the electromagnetic shield layer, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, electromagnetic shielding, and input sensing. By making the support plate conductive, it serves as both a mechanical component and an electromagnetic shield/digitizer, reducing the number of separate layers needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a separate digitizer and shield layer are disposed under the display panel, then input sensing functionality is improved, but the thickness of the display panel increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput sensing functionalityVSAvoiddisplay panel thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the digitizer functionality into the support plate structure. The conductive support plate directly senses touch and stylus inputs without requiring a separate digitizer layer, maintaining full input functionality while reducing thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, electromagnetic shielding, and input sensing. By making the support plate conductive, it serves as both a mechanical component and an input sensing element, reducing the number of separate layers needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the support plate has high electrical conductivity, then electromagnetic shielding effectiveness is improved, but flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectromagnetic shielding effectivenessVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate uses different materials or structures in different regions to balance conductivity and flexibility. The plate may have conductive patterns or coatings applied only where electromagnetic shielding is most needed, while maintaining flexibility in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The support plate is constructed using composite materials that combine conductive properties with flexibility. This could include conductive polymers, metal meshes, or layered composite structures that provide both electromagnetic shielding effectiveness and the necessary flexibility for foldable displays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 a thinner, more efficient display device with improved input functionality and compactness, enhancing the usability of foldable devices like smartphones and tablets.

Implementation Method 1

an electromagnetic shield layer disposed under the base film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20260029886A1Display device and electronic device including the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

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.