Waterproof Member Height for Force Sensor Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices lack waterproof and dustproof capabilities, especially when incorporating force sensors, which can lead to moisture and dust permeation between the display panel and the frame, compromising their functionality and durability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a waterproof member on the outer side of the force sensors, with a height greater than the sensors themselves, and strategically positioning it between the display panel and the frame to prevent moisture and dust ingress, while also using bumps and adhesive layers to ensure effective attachment and sensing functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If force sensors are disposed under the display panel, then input sensing functionality is improved, but moisture and dust permeation between the display panel and frame increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput sensing functionalityVSAvoidmoisture and dust permeation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A waterproof member is introduced as an intermediary component between the force sensor and the external environment. This waterproof member extends from the display panel to the frame, creating a protective barrier that prevents moisture and dust from reaching the force sensor while allowing the sensor to remain exposed on the outer surface for input detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The force sensor is nested within a protective structure formed by the waterproof member. The waterproof member encompasses the force sensor, creating a nested configuration where the sensor is protected inside while maintaining its functional exposure on the outer surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If adhesive members are used to attach the force sensor, then attachment reliability is improved, but the force sensor may be damaged during attachment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidforce sensor integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive member is applied locally only to the back surface of the force sensor rather than covering the entire sensor including its front sensing surface. This localized application ensures strong attachment to the display panel while preserving the integrity and functionality of the sensor's sensing area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the waterproof member height is greater than the force sensor height, then waterproof capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaterproof capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproof member serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides waterproof protection, structurally supports the force sensor, and creates a nested protective configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite the enhanced waterproof capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11836312B2Display device

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a display panel; a first force sensor disposed under the display panel; and a first waterproof member disposed under the display panel and disposed on an outer side of the first force sensor, wherein a height of the first waterproof member is larger than a height of the first force sensor.