Foldable Display Backplate Slots for Crease-Free Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible glass display devices that can be folded exhibit visible creases and other visual artifacts at the folding locations, and are susceptible to cracking and physical damage, with supporting backplates often inhibiting bi-directional folding.
Innovation Solution
The use of a backplate with slots that facilitate bending, combined with a cover glass layer having varying thicknesses and a polymer layer for consistent transparency, allows for smooth folding and rotation through 360 degrees without mechanical creases or visual artifacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible glass display is folded to create different viewing orientations, then the device achieves multi-orientation capability, but visible creases and visual artifacts appear at the folding locations
Solution Approach 1:
The backplate is divided into multiple segments by creating slots that extend from the upper surface through the lower surface. These slots segment the backplate structure, allowing each segment to move independently during folding, which prevents the formation of visible creases and maintains a smooth appearance at folding locations
Solution Approach 2:
The backplate has different structural properties at different locations: the slot regions provide flexibility and movement capability at the folding portion, while the solid plate regions between slots maintain structural strength and rigidity. This local differentiation allows the backplate to simultaneously enable folding while preventing visible creases
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display device is made foldable, then flexibility and portability are improved, but the device becomes susceptible to cracking and physical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The backplate is segmented by slots that allow controlled movement while maintaining structural integrity. The slots are positioned and sized to enable folding motion while the remaining solid portions of the backplate continue to provide structural support, preventing cracking during folding operations
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure combines multiple materials with different properties: the backplate (providing structural support), the flexible glass display (enabling folding), and the light-emitting layer. This composite structure allows the device to achieve folding flexibility while maintaining resistance to cracking through the synergistic properties of different materials
3Strength
If a solid backplate is used to provide structural support, then mechanical strength is improved, but bi-directional folding is inhibited
Solution Approach 1:
The backplate is segmented by creating slots that extend from the upper surface through the lower surface. These slots divide the solid backplate into multiple sections that can move relative to each other, enabling bi-directional folding while the remaining solid portions maintain the mechanical strength and structural support function
Solution Approach 2:
The backplate transitions from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic structure with controlled flexibility. The slots enable the backplate to adapt its rigidity: maintaining strength when flat, and enabling movement when folding is required, thus achieving both mechanical strength and folding capability
Data Source
AI summary
Examples are disclosed relating to foldable display devices and methods for folding a display device through a range of degrees at a folding portion. In one example, a display device comprises a rear cover and a cover glass layer extending from a left side of the display device through the folding portion to a right side. A light-emitting layer is between the rear cover and the cover glass layer. A backplate is between the rear cover and the light-emitting layer, with the backplate comprising backplate slots that extend from an upper surface through a lower surface to facilitate bending of the backplate.