Blunt Metal Sheet Edges for OLED Panel Scratch Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional OLED folding screens face issues with metal layers scratching the panel during pad bending due to their thin and sharp nature, which complicates the manufacturing process and reduces yield.
Innovation Solution
The edges of metal sheets are blunted to form a blunt structure, preventing scratches on the panel during bending, and this is achieved by integrating a support plate with the first metal sheet and adhesive material with the second metal sheet, ensuring the edges do not damage the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a thin stainless steel material is used as the metal layer for the back of the panel to achieve thinning, then the thickness is reduced and aesthetic appearance is improved, but the metal layer becomes sharp and easily scratches the panel during pad bending
Solution Approach 1:
The metal layer is pre-formed with a blunt structure at its edges before the bending process occurs. This preliminary modification of the edge geometry prevents the sharp edge from scratching the panel during subsequent bending operations, thereby resolving the contradiction between thinning and scratch prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The potentially harmful sharp edge of the thin metal layer is transformed into a beneficial blunt structure. By intentionally modifying the edge geometry, the design converts what would be a damaging feature (sharp edge) into a protective feature (blunt edge that prevents scratching while maintaining thin overall thickness)
2Volume of moving object
If conventional thin metal layers are used without structural modification, then the display achieves thinning goals, but the yield of pad bending in module manufacturing process decreases due to panel scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The blunt structure is formed on the metal layer edges before the pad bending manufacturing process. This preliminary structural preparation prevents scratches during bending operations, thereby maintaining high manufacturing yield while achieving the desired thin display profile
3Volume of moving object
If polyimide or polyethylene back plates are used instead of metal layers to achieve thinning, then the thickness is reduced, but the supporting effect is insufficient and wrinkles occur more frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The solution combines the advantages of metal and non-metal materials by using a thin metal layer (providing excellent support and wrinkle resistance) with a blunt edge structure (providing scratch prevention). This composite approach maintains the structural integrity and flatness benefits of metal while eliminating its harmful sharp edge effect
Solution Approach 2:
The metal layer is designed with non-uniform local properties: the bulk maintains thin thickness for overall thinning, while the edges are locally modified to have a blunt structure. This local quality differentiation allows the metal to provide support and wrinkle resistance where needed while preventing scratches at the edges during bending
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a display, including: a panel including a bending area and two non-bending areas disposed on opposite sides of the bending area; and a first metal sheet and a second metal sheet respectively disposed on the two non-bending areas, wherein an end portion of at least one of the first metal sheet and the second metal sheet close to the bending area has a blunt structure.