Bending Area Display with Planarization Layer and Stiffener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatuses with bending areas face challenges in maintaining visibility and reducing non-display areas while ensuring structural integrity and protection from external stress.
Innovation Solution
The display apparatus includes a display module with a bending area, a first non-bending area, and a second non-bending area, where a display driver and stiffener are disposed in the second non-bending area, and an adhesive is used to bond the stiffener to the display module. A planarization layer is disposed in the first non-bending area and extends to the second non-bending area, overlapping the bending area to enhance protection and reduce stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a bending area is introduced to reduce non-display areas and enhance visibility, then the display area efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity and resistance to external stress deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The display apparatus is segmented into distinct functional areas: a first non-bending area for the display element, a bending area for flexibility, and a second non-bending area for the driver. This segmentation allows each area to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity through the planarization layer that spans across all areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display apparatus are given different mechanical properties: the first non-bending area maintains rigidity for display quality, the bending area provides flexibility for folding, and the second non-bending area houses rigid driver components. The planarization layer provides localized reinforcement where needed while allowing bending where required.
2Area of stationary object
If a bending area is introduced to reduce non-display areas and enhance visibility, then the display area efficiency is improved, but the protection from external stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The planarization layer is formed in advance across the entire surface including the bending area, providing preliminary protection and stress distribution capability before the display apparatus is subjected to external stress during operation or folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The planarization layer acts as a composite protective structure that combines the flexibility of the bending area with the rigidity needed for stress resistance. This layered composite structure allows the bending area to maintain both flexibility and protection from external stress.
3Strength
If the planarization layer extends from the first non-bending area to the second non-bending area overlapping the bending area, then the structural protection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The planarization layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement, enables bending flexibility, protects against external stress, and serves as a substrate for subsequent layers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective structures, thereby managing complexity.
4Strength
If the stiffener is disposed in the second non-bending area adjacent to the display driver, then the structural integrity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffener is combined with the planarization layer and driver assembly, forming an integrated structural unit in the second non-bending area. This merging provides structural integrity while simplifying manufacturing by reducing the number of separate assembly steps compared to having standalone stiffener components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A display apparatus includes a display module including a bending area, a first non-bending area, and a second non-bending area, the first non-bending area and the second non-bending area being spaced apart from each other with the bending area interposed therebetween. A display driver is disposed in the second non-bending area, a stiffener is disposed in the second non-bending area and is adjacent to the display driver, and an adhesive is disposed in the second non-bending area and on a lower surface of the stiffener. The display module includes a display panel including a display element, a touch unit disposed on the display panel and including a touch electrode and a signal line, and a planarization layer disposed on the touch unit. The planarization layer is disposed in the first non-bending area and extends from the first non-bending area to the second non-bending area.