Foldable Display Touch Electrode Extension for Protected Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable displays do not allow touch input when folded due to the absence of a touch input component in the protective layer, which is necessary to protect the display surface.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display design that includes a touch electrode array extension on a protective part, allowing touch input when folded, with the touch electrode array bonded to the organic light emitting device array through an adhesive layer and supported by a transparent support part to maintain image display functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective layer is added to protect the display surface when folded, then protection capability is improved, but touch input functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The touch electrode array is segmented into two parts: the main touch electrode array for the unfolded state and a touch electrode array extension for the folded state. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific function - the protective layer with extension electrodes protects the folded display surface while maintaining touch input capability through the extended electrodes that face each other across the fold.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch electrode array extension extends beyond the boundaries of the organic light emitting device array in a dimensional sense, creating electrodes on the protective layer that face each other when folded. This dimensional extension allows touch input functionality to be achieved in the folded state without compromising protection capability.
2Ease of operation
If the touch electrode array is extended beyond the organic light emitting device array, then touch input capability when folded is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer serves multiple functions: it protects the display surface from external impacts and damage, and simultaneously hosts the touch electrode array extension that enables touch input when folded. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving touch input capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch electrode array extension is merged with the protective layer, combining the protection function and touch sensing function into a single integrated structure. This merging approach achieves touch input capability in the folded state without requiring additional separate components, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a foldable display which includes a protective layer to protect a display area exposed when the display is folded and has a touch electrode array extension on the protective layer so as to enable touch input in the display area. The foldable display includes a display panel provided with a front surface, a part of which is exposed when the foldable display is folded, and including a touch electrode array, and a support part adhered to the rear surface of the display panel, and the touch electrode array includes the touch electrode array extension provided to cover a part of the front surface of the foldable display exposed when the foldable display is folded.