Electronic Device Support Structure for Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic devices with display panels and input sensors face challenges in providing adequate support and signal integrity, particularly when folded or bent, due to the presence of metal supports which can attenuate input signals.

Innovation Solution

The electronic device incorporates a support structure with a first portion and a second portion, where the second portion has a plurality of first openings to enhance signal integrity and flexibility, allowing the device to be easily folded without compromising input sensor functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metal support is used to provide structural strength, then the support strength is improved, but the input signal integrity deteriorates due to signal attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport strengthVSAvoidinput signal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support is divided into a first portion (metal material) and a second portion (non-metal material), where the first portion provides structural strength and the second portion allows signal transmission, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and signal integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the support have different material properties: the first portion uses metal material for strength where structural support is needed, while the second portion uses non-metal material for signal transmission where input sensing is required, achieving local optimization of both strength and signal integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If a solid support structure is used to maintain device rigidity, then the structural stability is improved, but the device flexibility deteriorates when folded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddevice flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support is segmented into different portions with different material properties, allowing the non-metal second portion to provide flexibility for folding while the metal first portion maintains overall structural stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure has local quality variations where the non-metal second portion is positioned to allow bending and folding in specific areas, while the metal first portion provides structural stability in other areas, achieving both flexibility and stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If openings are added to the support to improve signal transmission, then the signal integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support is segmented into two portions with different materials, where the non-metal second portion inherently allows signal transmission without requiring additional openings, thus improving signal integrity while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 support structure effectively compensates for signal attenuation caused by metal supports, ensuring reliable input signal reception and maintaining the device's flexibility and usability in folded states.

Implementation Method 1

The support may include a non-metal material having an electrical conductivity that is lower than an electrical conductivity of a metal material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12289947B2Electronic device including a support
Publication Date: 2025.04.29 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US12289947B2 patent drawing
  • US12289947B2 patent drawing
  • US12289947B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An electronic device includes a display panel, an input sensor disposed on the display panel, and a support disposed under the display panel to support the display panel. The support includes a first portion and a second portion surrounding the first portion. The second portion is provided with a plurality of first openings defined therethrough.