Reinforced Plate Weight Reduction in Foldable Display Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing weight of foldable display modules due to the inclusion of various elements, such as reinforced plates and digitizers, necessitates a reduction in weight while maintaining durability and corrosion resistance.

Innovation Solution

A reinforced plate with reduced thickness and/or altered material, supported by a protective layer with openings and a waterproof member, is integrated into the display module to enhance durability and corrosion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the thickness of the reinforced plate is reduced to decrease weight, then the weight of the display module is reduced, but the durability of the reinforced plate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of reinforced plateVSAvoiddurability of reinforced plate
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforced plate is constructed using composite materials, specifically a metal substrate combined with a corrosion-resistant coating layer. This composite structure allows the plate to maintain high strength and durability while reducing overall weight compared to traditional solid metal plates of equivalent thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameters of the reinforced plate by selecting specific metal alloys and coating materials that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The thickness is optimized to the minimum required value while maintaining structural integrity through improved material properties rather than increasing thickness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Weight of moving object

If the material of the reinforced plate is changed to decrease weight, then the weight of the display module is reduced, but the corrosion resistance of the reinforced plate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of reinforced plateVSAvoidcorrosion resistance of reinforced plate
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reinforced plate employs a composite structure consisting of a lightweight metal substrate (such as aluminum or aluminum alloy) combined with a corrosion-resistant coating layer (such as anodized oxide layer, powder coating, or metallic coating). This composite material system provides both weight reduction and enhanced corrosion resistance simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

A corrosion-resistant coating layer acts as an intermediary between the lightweight metal substrate and the external environment. This coating layer protects the substrate from corrosion while allowing the use of lighter materials that would otherwise be susceptible to environmental degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4346193B1Display module and electronic device comprising display module
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4346193B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4346193B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4346193B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the disclosure, an electronic device may include a first housing, a second housing rotatably connected to the first housing, and a display module including a folding area at least partially deformed by rotation of the second housing relative to the first housing, wherein the display module includes a display panel, a support plate disposed under the display panel to support the display panel, a reinforced plate disposed under the support plate, a protective layer disposed under the reinforced plate and including multiple openings, and a waterproof member disposed under the protective layer to have a waterproof space including at least one of the multiple openings. Various other embodiments are possible.