Cushion Layer With Grooved High Modulus Member

Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display devices are susceptible to impact due to their thin substrates, which compromises both impact resistance and bending characteristics, as using high modulus materials enhances impact resistance but reduces bending flexibility, while low modulus materials improve bending but fail to absorb impact effectively.

Innovation Solution

A cushion layer with a first member of high modulus material and a second member of low modulus material, both partially surrounding the first member, with a plurality of grooves in the first member to absorb compressive and tensile stresses, allowing for enhanced impact resistance and bending flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If high modulus material is used for the cushion layer, then impact resistance is improved, but bending flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidbending flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion layer is divided into multiple layers with different moduli: a first cushion layer with high modulus material for impact resistance, and a second cushion layer with low modulus material for bending flexibility. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between impact resistance and bending flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cushion layer structure are assigned different material properties. The first cushion layer uses high modulus material specifically where impact resistance is needed, while the second cushion layer uses low modulus material where bending flexibility is required. This local differentiation of material quality optimizes both conflicting requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If low modulus material is used for the cushion layer, then bending flexibility is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending flexibilityVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion layer is divided into multiple layers with different moduli: a first cushion layer with high modulus material for impact resistance, and a second cushion layer with low modulus material for bending flexibility. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between impact resistance and bending flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the cushion layer structure are assigned different material properties. The first cushion layer uses high modulus material specifically where impact resistance is needed, while the second cushion layer uses low modulus material where bending flexibility is required. This local differentiation of material quality optimizes both conflicting requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a thin substrate is used to achieve flexibility, then bending characteristics are improved, but impact resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebending characteristicsVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion layer is divided into multiple layers with different moduli: a first cushion layer with high modulus material for impact resistance, and a second cushion layer with low modulus material for bending flexibility. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function independently, resolving the contradiction between impact resistance and bending flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion layer uses a composite structure combining materials with different moduli. The first cushion layer uses high modulus material for impact resistance, while the second cushion layer uses low modulus material for bending flexibility. This composite approach allows the overall structure to exhibit both impact resistance and bending flexibility that neither material could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The cushion layer effectively absorbs impact and allows for flexible bending without cracking, balancing impact resistance and bending characteristics by using high modulus material for impact absorption and low modulus material for flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The first member includes a first material having a first modulus. The second member includes a second material having a second modulus that is smaller than the first modulus. The first member includes a plurality of grooves disposed therein.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress absorption: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The second member includes a second material having a second modulus that is smaller than the first modulus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexibility: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3528040B1Display device including a cushion layer having members with different moduli

Publication Date: 2023.08.30 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

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AI summary

A display device includes a cushion layer and a display panel disposed on a top surface of the cushion layer. The cushion layer includes a first member and a second member at least partially surrounding the first member. The first member includes a first material having a first modulus. The second member includes a second material having a second modulus that is smaller than the first modulus. The first member includes a plurality of grooves disposed therein.