Flexible Array Substrate Spacer Distribution for Stress Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display substrates face issues with uneven stress distribution when bent, leading to subpixel failure due to asymmetric spacer distribution, which affects reliability and service life.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a higher spacer density in the bending area with specifically designed first and second spacers made of organic photoresist, arranged between subpixels and along the bending centerline, ensures even stress distribution and enhances the array substrate's ability to withstand bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If spacers are uniformly distributed in the bending area and non-bending area, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the stress distribution becomes uneven when bent causing subpixel failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different spacer distribution patterns to different regions: the bending area has spacers distributed at intervals (e.g., every other spacer), while the non-bending area has spacers uniformly distributed. This local differentiation allows the bending area to accommodate stress during flexing while maintaining adequate support, preventing subpixel failure without overly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Quantity of substance
If spacers are asymmetrically distributed on both sides of subpixels when bent, then the spacer density is reduced, but the stress concentrates on one subpixel causing it to become ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent intentionally creates asymmetric spacer distribution between the bending and non-bending areas. The bending area has lower spacer density with spaced intervals, while the non-bending area maintains higher density with uniform distribution. This controlled asymmetry allows stress to be properly managed during bending without concentrating on single subpixels, as the asymmetric pattern is designed to match the bending mechanics.
3Reliability
If spacer density is increased in the bending area, then stress distribution becomes even, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the array substrate into distinct bending and non-bending areas with different spacer distribution characteristics. Within the bending area, spacers are segmented and distributed at regular intervals rather than continuously. This segmentation approach achieves adequate stress distribution while avoiding the complexity of continuous high-density spacer placement throughout the entire substrate.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an array substrate and a flexible display panel. The array substrate includes a non-bending area, a bending area connecting the non-bending areas, a subpixel, a plurality of first spacers disposed on the bending area, and a plurality of second spacers disposed on the non-bending area. The subpixels distributed in arrays are distributed on the non-bending area and the bending area. The plurality of first spacers are correspondingly distributed on both sides of each of the subpixels. The present disclosure solves the subpixel failure caused by uneven distribution of subpixel stress in the related art.