Elastomer-Protrusion Protective Window for Flexible Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices face a trade-off between flexibility and surface hardness, as high-hardness protective windows are prone to cracking when bent, while flexible windows lack sufficient strength and hardness.
Innovation Solution
A protective window structure comprising a first transparent member made of an elastomer with protrusions and a second transparent member made of high-hardness polymer material, which fills the spaces between the protrusions, providing a balanced combination of flexibility and hardness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a protective window is made of high-hardness material, then surface hardness is improved, but flexibility deteriorates and the window may crack when bent
Solution Approach 1:
The protective window is divided into multiple transparent members with different material properties (elastomer layer and high-hardness polymer layer). Each layer performs a specific function: the elastomer layer provides flexibility and stress distribution, while the high-hardness polymer layer provides scratch resistance. This segmentation allows the window to achieve both flexibility and surface hardness simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective window uses a composite structure combining elastomer material and high-hardness polymer material. This composite material approach allows the window to exhibit both flexible properties (from the elastomer) and high surface hardness (from the polymer layer), resolving the contradiction between these two opposing requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexibility of the window is increased, then adaptability is improved, but surface hardness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The window is segmented into functional layers where the elastomer layer specifically handles flexibility requirements and the high-hardness polymer layer handles surface hardness requirements. This functional segmentation allows each material to optimize its performance without compromising the other property.
Solution Approach 2:
By using composite materials with distinct properties (elastomer for flexibility, high-hardness polymer for scratch resistance), the window achieves a balance between flexibility and surface hardness that neither material could provide alone.
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 solution allows for a flexible display device that can be easily bent without cracking, as the elastomer member disperses compression stress and the high-hardness polymer member maintains resistance to external scratches, enhancing both flexibility and surface hardness.
Implementation Method 1
The first transparent member is made of an elastomer... the elastomer member disperses compression stress
Data Source
AI summary
A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel. A protective window is formed on the display panel. The protective window includes a first transparent member. The first transparent member includes a plurality of protrusions. The first transparent member is made of an elastomer. A second transparent member is provided on the first transparent member. The second transparent member is made of a high-hardness polymer material. The second transparent member fills spaces between the plurality of protrusions and forms a flat surface.