Middle Frame Shielding for Foldable Display Antenna Loss

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complex electromagnetic environment in foldable electronic devices causes signal loss due to absorption of antenna signals when the display panel is in a folded state.

Innovation Solution

A foldable display module with a middle frame assembly that includes a baffle or shield layer to block electromagnetic wave signals between the antenna and the flexible printed circuit board, reducing signal absorption and loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the display panel is folded in an S shape, then the foldable display device achieves compact form factor, but the electromagnetic wave signal from the antenna is absorbed by the display panel causing signal loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolded device volumeVSAvoidantenna signal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A baffle is introduced as an intermediary component between the antenna and the flexible printed circuit board. The baffle blocks electromagnetic wave signals from reaching the FPCB when the display is folded, preventing signal absorption and loss. This mediator resolves the contradiction by allowing the folded configuration while protecting signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the baffle blocks electromagnetic wave signals, then signal loss is reduced, but the baffle may interfere with the flexible printed circuit board's function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna signal transmissionVSAvoidflexible printed circuit board signal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle is designed with selective blocking properties - it blocks electromagnetic waves in the folded state when signals would be absorbed, but allows normal operation when the display is unfolded. The baffle's positioning and dimensions are optimized to affect only the problematic signal paths while leaving legitimate FPCB communications unaffected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If a shield layer is added to block electromagnetic waves, then signal integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic signal integrityVSAvoidmiddle frame assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle serves multiple functions: it blocks electromagnetic wave signals to prevent absorption, provides structural support within the middle frame assembly, and can be integrated with existing frame components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate shielding components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The baffle or shield layer effectively reduces signal loss by blocking electromagnetic waves, maintaining signal integrity in the foldable display device.

Implementation Method 1

The baffle may block the electromagnetic wave signal emitted by the antenna toward the flexible printed circuit board, and weaken the electromagnetic wave signal that passes through the flexible printed circuit board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

the baffle can prevent static electricity from passing through the baffle and being conducted to the display panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic blocking: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP4668483A1Middle frame assembly, foldable display module, and foldable display device
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4668483A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4668483A1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4668483A1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3a

AI summary

Embodiments of this application disclose a middle frame assembly, a foldable display module, and a foldable display device, and relate to the field of foldable screens, to reduce a loss of an antenna. A specific solution is as follows: In a foldable screen device with three or more folds, a baffle is disposed between an antenna and a flexible printed circuit board, and the baffle is electrically connected to a middle frame, so that an electromagnetic wave emitted by the antenna to the flexible printed circuit board is blocked by the baffle. Alternatively, a shield layer is disposed on a surface of the flexible printed circuit board, and the shield layer is electrically connected to the middle frame, so that the electromagnetic wave emitted by the antenna to the flexible printed circuit board is shielded by the shield layer. Therefore, after the foldable screen device is folded, an electromagnetic wave signal that passes through the flexible printed circuit board is blocked, and few electromagnetic wave signals can reach a light emitting layer in a display panel and then be absorbed. This resolves a problem of a signal loss of the antenna.