Foldable Display Support Member Pattern Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable display devices face challenges in durability against external impacts due to deformation of support members, which can lead to damage and electrostatic discharge issues.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display device design incorporating a support member with a pattern layer made of metal material surrounding the folding area, providing additional protection and forming a ground path to prevent deformation and electrostatic discharge, while the support layers are made of materials like glass or plastic and spaced apart from the pattern layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a support member with high rigidity is used to prevent deformation of the display module, then the display module is protected from user touch deformation, but the support member itself is vulnerable to external impacts causing device damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistance to user touch deformationVSAvoiddurability against external impacts
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into multiple layers: a first support layer overlapping the first non-folding area, a second support layer overlapping the second non-folding area, and a pattern layer overlapping the folding area. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for specific functions - the support layers provide rigidity against user touch while the pattern layer provides impact protection and electrostatic discharge prevention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support member uses composite material structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The first and second support layers use materials suitable for preventing display module deformation, while the pattern layer uses metal material for impact resistance and electrostatic discharge protection, creating a composite structure that addresses both requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If the support member is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the display module remains stable, but electrostatic discharge can occur during folding operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidelectrostatic discharge
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pattern layer acts as an intermediary between the rigid support layers and the folding area. This metal pattern layer provides a conductive path that safely dissipates electrostatic charge generated during folding operations, while the support layers maintain structural integrity. The pattern layer mediates between the need for rigidity and the need to prevent electrostatic discharge

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances the durability of the foldable display device by preventing deformation from external impacts and protecting against electrostatic discharge, ensuring the longevity and functionality of the device.

Implementation Method 1

the second portion of the pattern layer may form a ground path. Accordingly, the second portion of the pattern layer may protect the display panel from external electrostatic discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentUS12253881B2Foldable display device
Publication Date: 2025.03.18 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US12253881B2 patent drawing
  • US12253881B2 patent drawing
  • US12253881B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A foldable display device includes a display module including a first non-folding area, a second non-folding area, and a folding area between the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area, a support member disposed below the display module and including a first support layer overlapping the first non-folding area, a second support layer overlapping the second non-folding area, and a pattern layer overlapping the folding area, surrounding the first support layer and the second support layer, and including a conductive metal material, and a digitizer disposed below the support member.