Elastomer Barrier Layer for Foldable Display Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable display devices face issues with reliability due to buckling and cracking of components under external pressure, particularly at varying temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A display device design incorporating a barrier layer made of elastomer with a tensile modulus ranging from 0.7 Gpa to 1.5 Gpa at −20°C and 0.4 Gpa to 1 Gpa at room temperature, supported by a support plate with a stretchable portion, enhances structural integrity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid structure is used to support the display panel, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility and reliability at varying temperatures deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully controlling the tensile modulus of the barrier layer within specific ranges (0.7-1.5 GPa at -20°C and 0.4-1.0 GPa at room temperature). This parameter optimization allows the barrier layer to maintain both structural strength and flexibility across different temperatures, preventing buckling and cracking while enabling reliable folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the barrier layer with a support plate having a stretchable portion. This composite structure integrates the barrier layer's temperature-resistant properties with the support plate's mechanical strength and flexibility, creating a hybrid structure that maintains reliability across varying temperatures while supporting the display panel.
2Reliability
If the barrier layer is made more flexible to prevent buckling, then reliability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by precisely controlling the tensile modulus parameters of the barrier layer. By maintaining the tensile modulus within the specified ranges at different temperatures, the barrier layer achieves optimal balance between flexibility (to prevent buckling) and structural strength, eliminating the need to sacrifice one property for the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier layer acts as an intermediary element between the display panel and the support plate. It mediates the mechanical stresses during folding operations, absorbing and distributing forces to prevent direct transmission to the display panel while maintaining structural integrity through its optimized tensile modulus properties.
3Strength
If the support plate is made fully rigid to provide stable support, then structural strength is improved, but flexibility during folding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the support plate into distinct functional regions: a rigid portion for stable support and a stretchable portion for accommodating folding movements. This segmentation allows different parts of the support structure to have different mechanical properties, providing both stability and flexibility as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate exhibits local quality by having different regions with different mechanical properties. The rigid portion provides stable support where needed, while the stretchable portion accommodates folding movements. This local differentiation of material properties enables the support plate to simultaneously provide structural strength and folding flexibility.
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 design improves the reliability of the display device by preventing buckling and cracking, ensuring consistent performance across temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
A tensile modulus of the barrier layer may be in a range from about 0.7 Gpa to about 1.5 Gpa at −20° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a display panel including a foldable area having flexibility and a non-folding area adjacent to the foldable area, a cover window on a first side of the display panel, and a barrier layer on a second side of the display panel opposite to the first side and including an elastomer. A tensile modulus of the barrier layer is in a range from about 0.7 Gpa to about 1.5 Gpa at −20° C.