Bendable Supporting Plate for OLED Display Module FPC Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In OLED display modules, the flexible printed circuit (FPC) binding position is prone to loosening or cracking during assembly and transportation due to the flexible nature of the base materials, leading to mechanical instability and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

A display module design featuring a bendable supporting plate with a first and second part, where the display substrate is fixedly connected to the first part and the circuit board to the second part, which includes a hollow opening for enhanced bending performance and stability, using a stainless steel plate for mechanical firmness and heat dissipation, and connectors for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of moving object

If flexible materials are used for the base materials of OLED modules to achieve a large proportion of the screen, then the screen-to-body ratio is improved, but the FPC binding position becomes loose and the FPC is prone to cracking during turnover and assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen-to-body ratioVSAvoidFPC binding position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting plate is divided into a first part and a second part, with the first part fixing the display substrate and the second part fixing the circuit board. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each part's function, providing stable fixation for the circuit board while maintaining the flexible display structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting plate acts as an intermediary component between the display substrate and the circuit board. It provides a stable mounting structure for the circuit board, preventing direct contact and potential damage between the flexible FPC and other components, thereby improving binding position stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the circuit board is fixedly connected to prevent loosening and cracking, then the mechanical reliability is improved, but the flexibility and bendability of the display module is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit board fixation stabilityVSAvoiddisplay module bendability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting plate has different properties in different regions: the first part provides stable fixation for the display substrate, while the second part with the hollow opening provides flexible support for the circuit board. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of stable fixation and flexible bending capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting plate is designed as a thin, flexible structure with a hollow opening that allows it to bend without breaking. This flexible supporting structure can accommodate the bending requirements of flexible displays while still providing adequate support and fixation for the circuit board.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Strength

If a rigid supporting structure is used to prevent FPC cracking, then the mechanical strength is improved, but the heat dissipation performance and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strength of supporting structureVSAvoidheat dissipation performance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting plate incorporates a hollow opening that creates a porous or cavity structure. This design reduces the amount of material, improving heat dissipation by allowing air circulation and reducing thermal mass, while still maintaining adequate mechanical strength through the optimized plate structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Data Source

PatentUS12133341B2Display module and display device
Publication Date: 2024.10.29 CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD
  • US12133341B2 patent drawing
  • US12133341B2 patent drawing
  • US12133341B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display module and a display device are disclosed. The display module includes a display substrate provided with a first edge; a circuit board arranged at the first edge of the display substrate and electrically connected with the display substrate; and a supporting plate arranged on the non-display surface of the display substrate; the supporting plate is able to be bent and includes a first part and a second part, and the second part is provided with a hollow opening; the display substrate is positioned on the first part and is fixedly connected with the first part; and the circuit board is positioned on the second part and is fixedly connected with the second part.