Sliding Display Area Sensing with External Asymmetric Electrodes

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with slidable displays face challenges in accurately detecting the exposed area of the display, occupying internal space with sensors and risking moisture ingress, leading to potential damage and operational errors.

Innovation Solution

A detection sensor system with a unique pattern is integrated into the housing structure, comprising electrodes and a dielectric to detect changes in display area and moisture ingress, enabling precise area detection and preventing erroneous operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a detection sensor is mounted inside the electronic device to detect the exposed area of the display, then the display area can be detected, but the internal space of the device is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay area detectionVSAvoidinternal space
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection sensor is extracted from the internal space of the electronic device and repositioned to the outer surface of the housing. Specifically, the sensor is disposed on the outer surface of the first housing adjacent to the outlet, allowing it to detect the exposed display area through the outlet opening without occupying precious internal space within the device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Measurement precision

If the detection sensor is disposed inside the device, then it can detect display area changes, but moisture may infiltrate and cause damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay area detectionVSAvoidmoisture infiltration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection sensor is extracted from the vulnerable internal environment and relocated to the outer surface of the housing. By positioning the sensor on the outer surface adjacent to the outlet, the sensor remains in a more protected environment while still being able to detect display area changes through the outlet, reducing exposure to moisture infiltration risks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The outlet serves as an intermediary structure that allows the detection sensor to detect display area changes without being directly exposed to the external environment where moisture infiltration occurs. The sensor detects changes through the outlet opening while remaining protected by the housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If a conventional sensor pattern is used, then the sensor can detect display area, but external signals may cause erroneous operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay area detectionVSAvoidoperation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The detection sensor employs an asymmetric pattern configuration where the first electrode and second electrode are arranged in a specific asymmetric layout on the outer surface of the housing. This asymmetric pattern creates a unique detection signature that distinguishes legitimate display area changes from external signal interference, thereby preventing erroneous operations while maintaining accurate display area detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 system accurately detects the display area and moisture levels, preventing damage and reducing operational errors, while optimizing space efficiency and minimizing moisture ingress.

Implementation Method 1

a detection sensor including a first electrode and a second electrode, disposed side by side, and a dielectric disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and configured to detect a change in the size of the display area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a detection sensor including a first electrode and a second electrode, disposed side by side, and a dielectric disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and configured to detect a change in the size of the display area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric permittivity change: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentEP4293475B1Electronic device
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP4293475B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293475B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4293475B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

An electronic device including a detection sensor is disclosed. The electronic device may include: a housing structure including a first housing and a second housing movably coupled to the first housing in a moving direction, a flexible display supported by the first housing and the second housing, and having a size of a display area visible at a front surface of the housing structure configured to change based on relative movement by the second housing with respect to the first housing, a detection sensor including a first electrode and a second electrode disposed side by side, and a dielectric disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and configured to detect a change in the size of the display area, and a processor.