Foldable EMR Digitizer Layout With Common Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of lines and connectors in electromagnetic resonance (EMR) sheets within foldable displays leads to larger FPCBs, which push displays upward, degrading surface quality.
Innovation Solution
A digitizer design with reduced x-axis channels and common channels formed as single or common lines, connected via FPCB structures, reduces the physical size of FPCBs and connectors, minimizing their upward pressure on the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of lines in EMR sheets is increased to provide more x-axis channels, then the channel coverage is improved, but the physical size of FPCBs and connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple x-axis channels into common lines that are shared across different EMR sheets. Specifically, the first and second EMR sheets share common x-axis lines, reducing the total number of separate lines needed. This merging approach maintains comprehensive channel coverage while minimizing FPCB area by eliminating redundant line connections.
2Reliability
If the number of connectors is increased to connect more EMR sheets, then the electrical connectivity is improved, but the physical size of FPCBs and connectors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal connector design where the same connector structure is used across multiple EMR sheets. The common x-axis lines serve multiple sheets simultaneously, allowing a single connector to handle electrical connectivity for several sheets. This multi-functional approach maintains reliable electrical connections while reducing the overall number and size of connectors required.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the physical size of FPCBs is reduced, then the upward pressure on display is reduced, but the number of lines available for channels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of lines to a three-dimensional stacked configuration where multiple EMR sheets are layered vertically. By utilizing the z-dimension (vertical stacking), the system can accommodate multiple x-axis channels across different sheets without increasing the horizontal footprint. This dimensional change allows reduced FPCB size while maintaining comprehensive channel coverage through the stacked sheet architecture.
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
This design reduces the physical size of FPCBs and connectors, improving the surface quality of the display by minimizing upward pressure.
Implementation Method 1
A digitizer, which may include two electromagnetic resonance (EMR) sheets (or EMR films) separated in a leftward/rightward direction (or upward/downward direction)
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device may include: a first housing; a second housing that is foldably coupled to the first housing through a hinge device; a display; a digitizer disposed under the display; a first printed circuit board electrically connected to the digitizer; a second printed circuit board electrically connected to the digitizer; a third FPCB structure electrically connecting the first printed circuit board and the second printed circuit board; and a processor that detects the coordinates of an electronic pen. The digitizer may include a first electro magnetic resonance (EMR) sheet with a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) structure and a second EMR sheet with a second FPCB structure. The digitizer may include a plurality of x-axis channels and a plurality of y-axis channels orthogonal to the plurality of x-axis channels, and the plurality of x-axis channels may include single channels formed of single wires and common channels formed of common wires. A method of operating an electronic device determines a position of an electronic pen.