Foldable Display Panels Using Cold Bending to Avoid Thermal Defects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic devices with curved surfaces face issues in manufacturing due to thermal bending processes that can adversely affect panel appearance and require high-cost equipment, leading to defects like water ripples and pitting.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design utilizing a cold bending process to adhere a composite panel with a back frame via a patterned adhesive element, allowing the panel to transition between flat and curved surfaces without thermal deformation, thus avoiding defects and reducing equipment costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If thermal bending process is used to fabricate curved surfaces, then curved surface can be achieved, but panel appearance is adversely affected with defects like water ripples and pitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from high (thermal bending) to low (cold bending at or near room temperature) to eliminate thermal deformation and associated defects while still achieving the desired curved surface shape
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal field (heat-based bending) with a mechanical field (cold bending through mechanical force and adhesive bonding) to achieve curve formation without thermal damage to the panel
2Shape
If thermal bending process is used, then curved surface can be formed, but high-cost equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a disposable or replaceable adhesive element that can be applied and removed without requiring expensive, specialized thermal bending equipment, making the curved surface formation process more accessible and cost-effective
3Reliability
If adhesive element is continuous, then full coverage adhesion is achieved, but display quality is reduced due to light absorption in display region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adhesive element into multiple disconnected portions positioned away from the display region, allowing each segment to provide adhesion while collectively maintaining display quality by not interfering with the light path through the display area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies adhesive only in specific locations (peripheral regions away from display region) rather than uniformly across the entire panel, providing sufficient adhesion locally while preserving display quality in the critical display area
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable electronic device is provided. The foldable electronic device includes a supporting element, a display panel, and an adhesive element. The supporting element includes a first part and a second part separated from the first part of the supporting element. The display panel includes a display region and is disposed on at least one of the first part of the supporting element and the second part of the supporting element. The adhesive element is disposed on and contacts at least one of the first part of the supporting element and the second part of the supporting element. In a top view of the foldable electronic device, the adhesive element has a first part and a second part, and the first part of the adhesive element is separated from the second part of the adhesive element at a side of the display region.