Deformation Layer Curves Display Panel Without External Shell

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of curved-surface televisions is challenging due to the difficulty in maintaining the curved shape of the display panel without external mechanical forces or shells in the backlight assembly.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a deformation layer made of electrically or thermally controlled shape memory materials, such as shape memory polymers doped with conductive carbon black or metallic powder, that generates internal forces to curve the display panel when reaching a specific temperature, allowing it to maintain a curved shape without external support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If an external mechanical force or shell in the backlight assembly is used to maintain the curved shape of the display panel, then the curved surface display can be achieved, but the assembly complexity increases and the device structure becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurved shape of display panelVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation layer is configured to enable the display panel to generate deformation autonomously when reaching a specific temperature, without requiring external mechanical forces or shells. The deformation layer acts as a self-contained mechanism that curves the display panel internally, eliminating the need for complex external support structures and simplifying assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the curvature maintenance function from the backlight assembly shell and relocates it to the deformation layer integrated with the display panel. This separation allows the display panel to maintain its curved shape independently, removing the requirement for a specialized curved shell in the backlight assembly and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Shape

If an external mechanical force or shell in the backlight assembly is used to maintain the curved shape of the display panel, then the curved surface display can be achieved, but the device structure becomes more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurved shape of display panelVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The deformation layer is integrated directly with the display panel structure, merging the curvature control function into the panel itself. This integration eliminates the need for separate curved support structures in the backlight assembly, simplifying both the manufacturing process and assembly procedures while maintaining the desired curved shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a deformation layer with shape memory material is used to enable internal deformation of the display panel, then the assembly complexity is reduced, but additional materials and processing steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly complexityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs shape memory materials (such as shape memory alloys or shape memory polymers) as the deformation layer, which can be deposited or laminated onto the display panel. These composite material structures provide the necessary deformation capability while maintaining compatibility with existing manufacturing processes, balancing the added material requirements with simplified assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Ease of operation

If the deformation layer is made of electrically-controlled shape memory material, then the deformation can be precisely controlled, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeformation control precisionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically-controlled shape memory material is activated only when curvature change is required, using periodic or on-demand electrical stimulation rather than continuous energy input. This allows precise control of the deformation timing and extent, achieving the desired curved shape only when needed and reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous mechanical support systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables the display panel to achieve and maintain a curved surface display internally, reducing assembly complexity and allowing for flexible conversion between curved and flat surface displays, improving user experience and application versatility.

Implementation Method 1

A deformation layer is arranged at any surface of the display panel and configured to enable the display panel to generate first deformation when it reaches a first deformation temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShape memory material deformation: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

the deformation layer is made of an electrically-controlled shape memory material and reaches the first deformation temperature through heat generated when it is energized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

the conductive layer and the deformation layer are arranged on any surface of the display panel from the bottom up, and the deformation layer reaches the first deformation temperature through heat generated when the conductive layer is energized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3267426B1Display device and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2020.09.16 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3267426B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3267426B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3267426B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to the field of display technology and provides a display device and a method for manufacturing the same. The display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other to form a display panel. A deformation layer is arranged on any surface of the display panel. Through the deformation layer on any surface of the display panel, when the deformation layer reaches a first deformation temperature, the deformation layer generates a deformation so as to apply an internal force to the display panel. Because the display panel is of a constant size, it is curved due to the internal force, so as to achieve curved-surface display. In other words, the display panel is curved under the effect of the internal force generated by itself, and it may be always maintained at its curved shape when the internal force is applied continuously. As a result, it is unnecessary to maintain the curved shape of the display panel with a shell of an existing backlight assembly, and thereby it is able to reduce the assembly difficulty.