Bendable Display Module Structure for Crack-Resistant Narrow Bezels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in display technology is to reduce the bezel and increase the screen-to-body ratio of display apparatuses, particularly in devices with bendable or foldable displays, while ensuring structural integrity and minimizing the risk of cracks or breakage during bending.
Innovation Solution
A display module design featuring a display panel with a bendable portion that includes a first and second transition region and a bendable region, along with a back film comprising disconnected sub-films, and a protective layer that covers the bendable portion, optimizing the arrangement of inorganic layers and reducing the number of metal layers to minimize bending resistance, and incorporating a frame structure to support the bendable portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the bezel is reduced and screen-to-body ratio is increased, then the display area is improved, but the structural integrity and risk of cracks during bending deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is divided into a main body portion and a bendable portion, with the bendable portion further segmented into transition regions and a bendable region. This segmentation allows the display to have a large display area while the bendable portion can flex independently without compromising the overall structural integrity of the main display area.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display panel are given different structural characteristics. The main body maintains full structural integrity for display functionality, while the bendable portion has reduced structural strength to enable flexing. The transition regions provide gradual transition in mechanical properties, allowing the display to achieve both large area and reliable bending without cracks.
2Strength
If the number of metal layers is reduced, then the bending resistance is improved, but the structural support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Metal layers are extracted (removed) from the bendable portion of the display panel, leaving only the main body portion with full metal layer structure. This extraction reduces the weight and bending resistance in the flexible area, enabling easier bending while the main body retains structural support where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The display panel has non-uniform metal layer distribution: the main body portion contains full metal layers for structural support and electrical connectivity, while the bendable portion has fewer or no metal layers to reduce bending resistance. This local differentiation allows the structure to provide support where required while enabling flexibility where needed.
3Reliability
If the bendable portion is designed with transition regions, then the risk of cracks is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bendable portion is segmented into transition regions and a bendable region, creating a stepped structure that distributes stress during bending. This segmentation prevents stress concentration at any single location, minimizing crack risk while adding only moderate structural complexity compared to a uniform structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition regions are designed beforehand to cushion and distribute bending stress before it reaches critical areas. By pre-configuring the stepped structure with appropriate dimensions and positions, the design anticipates bending forces and redistributes them safely, preventing cracks before they occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A display module includes a display panel, a back film, and a first protective layer. The display panel includes a main body, a bonding portion, and a bendable portion. The bendable portion includes a first transition region, a second transition region, and a bendable region. The display panel further includes a first structure and a second structure located in the first transition region. The back film includes a first back sub-film and a second back sub-film. The first back sub-film covers the main body. The second back sub-film covers the bonding portion. The first back sub-film and the second back sub-film are disconnected at the bendable portion. The first protective layer covers the bendable portion and at least a part of the second structure. An orthographic projection of the first back sub-film on the substrate partially overlaps with an orthographic projection of the first protective layer on the substrate.