Foldable Display Input Sensor Protection via Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in efficiently sensing external inputs across variously shaped active areas while maintaining structural integrity and minimizing damage from folding.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a display panel with distinct areas for sensing and non-sensing regions, supported by a folding structure with cushion layers and plates, allowing for external input detection without overlapping sensitive components, thus mitigating stress and impact during folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the input sensor is placed under the display panel in the folding area, then the device can sense external inputs, but the sensor may be damaged during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is divided into multiple regions: a first support region extending from the folding area toward the first non-folding area, and a second support region extending from the folding area toward the second non-folding area. This segmentation provides targeted support to different areas, protecting the input sensor while maintaining structural integrity during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion layer is positioned between the support plate and the input sensor, providing preemptive protection against folding stress. This cushioning layer absorbs and distributes the mechanical stress generated during folding, preventing damage to the input sensor before the stress can cause harm.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support plate covers the entire display area, then structural integrity is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is configured with different regions having different functions: the first support region provides support in the direction of the first non-folding area, while the second support region provides support in the direction of the second non-folding area. This localized differentiation maintains structural integrity where needed while reducing unnecessary complexity in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, protects the input sensor, and maintains the structural integrity of the folding display device. By integrating these functions into a single component with strategically designed regions, the overall device complexity is reduced compared to using separate components for each function.
3Reliability
If cushion layers are added to protect components during folding, then component durability improves, but the device thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion layer is implemented as a thin, flexible structure that can be positioned between the support plate and the input sensor. This thin-film approach provides necessary cushioning and protection while minimizing the increase in overall device thickness, maintaining a sleek profile.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes: a display panel having a first area and a second area, the second area being spaced apart from the first area in a first direction; a support plate under the display panel, the support plate including: a folding part configured to be folded about a folding axis extending in a second direction crossing the first direction; a first support part extending from the folding part in the first direction; and a second support part spaced apart from the first support part with the folding part therebetween; a first plate spaced apart from the first area of the display panel with the support plate therebetween; and an input sensor spaced apart from the second area of the display panel with the support plate therebetween and configured to sense an external input. The first plate and the input sensor face each other.