Barrier Sheets for Foldable Display Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face issues with foreign matter entering gaps between components, leading to defects such as wrinkles, and the laser cutting process can cause damage due to heat generation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a display device design that includes barrier sheets and adhesive members to cover and overlap gaps between support members, preventing foreign matter entry and minimizing heat-related damage, with a hinge structure for folding and unfolding functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If support members are spaced apart to enable folding, then folding functionality is achieved, but foreign matter can enter the gap causing defects
Solution Approach 1:
A barrier sheet is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second support members. The barrier sheet extends from the first support member to the second support member, covering the gap that forms during folding. This intermediary structure prevents foreign matter from entering the gap while allowing the support members to move relative to each other for folding functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier sheet is implemented as a thin, flexible film that can accommodate the relative movement between support members during folding and unfolding. The flexible nature of the barrier sheet allows it to maintain coverage of the gap while permitting the necessary mechanical motion for foldable display operation.
2Productivity
If laser cutting is used for manufacturing, then production efficiency is improved, but heat generation causes damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
A protective film is used as an intermediary layer during the laser cutting process. The protective film covers components that are susceptible to heat damage while allowing the laser cutting process to proceed efficiently. This intermediary protection layer absorbs or blocks the harmful thermal effects from the laser, enabling high-speed manufacturing without compromising component integrity.
3Reliability
If barrier sheets are added to prevent foreign matter, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier function is achieved using thin film structures rather than bulky mechanical components. The barrier sheet is a thin, flexible film that can be integrated into the existing display structure with minimal additional space. This approach provides reliable foreign matter prevention while adding minimal complexity to the overall device architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel including first and second unfolding areas, and a folding area therebetween, a first support member and a second support member disposed on a back surface of the display panel and spaced apart from each other with the folding area therebetween, a first barrier sheet partially fixed to a back surface of the first support member and extending to a back surface of the second support member, and a second barrier sheet partially fixed to the back surface of the second support member, extending to the back surface of the first support member, and covering the first barrier sheet. Each of the first barrier sheet and the second barrier sheet overlaps the first support member, the folding area, and the second support member, and the first barrier sheet is accommodated in a space between the second barrier sheet and the second support member.