Flexible Coatings for Bendable Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible apparatuses, such as displays and touch sensitive modules, are prone to damage when bent or physically deformed, and existing technologies lack effective solutions to prevent delamination and damage during deformation.

Innovation Solution

The use of multiple flexible coatings, including a first flexible coating between the display and touch sensitive module for electrical insulation and interference reduction, and a second flexible coating as an external cover to provide protection and sealing, made from materials like polyurethane or silicon-based elastomers, which can deform with the apparatus to prevent delamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible display and touch sensitive module are directly mounted together, then device flexibility is achieved, but delamination and damage occur during bending

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice flexibilityVSAvoidresistance to delamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible coating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the display and touch sensitive module. This coating acts as a mediator that accommodates mechanical stress during bending, preventing direct stress transmission that would cause delamination, while still allowing the overall device to maintain flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies flexible coating films between the display and touch module layers. These thin flexible films are specifically designed to withstand bending stresses and physical deformation, protecting the interface between rigid components while maintaining the overall flexibility of the device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid mounting structure is used between display and touch module, then structural stability is improved, but damage occurs during physical deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddamage during bending

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid mounting structures with flexible coating films that can deform during bending. These flexible films maintain structural integrity and protect components during physical deformation, eliminating the damage caused by rigid structures while preserving necessary structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure is transformed from a static rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection. The flexible coating can adapt its shape and stress distribution during bending, allowing the structure to remain stable in function while dynamically changing form to avoid damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple protective layers are added, then protection against deformation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against deformationVSAvoidnumber of coating layers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible coating is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection during bending, enables flexibility, offers electrical insulation between layers, and prevents delamination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structures where the flexible coating combines multiple properties (flexibility, insulation, adhesion) in a single integrated layer. This composite approach provides comprehensive protection without requiring multiple separate layers, thus limiting complexity increase while maintaining high reliability.

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 flexible coatings effectively reduce strain on electronic components, prevent delamination, and provide a protective barrier against physical deformation, ensuring the apparatus remains functional and intact when bent or deformed.

Implementation Method 1

a first flexible coating overlaying the flexible display and a second flexible coating overlaying the touch sensitive module; wherein at least a portion of the touch sensitive module is mounted on the first flexible coating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10209792B2Apparatus and method wherein the apparatus comprises a flexible display and a flexible touch sensitive module

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY

AI summary

An apparatus and method wherein the apparatus comprises; a flexible display; a flexible touch sensitive module; and a first flexible coating overlaying the flexible display and a second flexible coating overlaying the touch sensitive module; wherein at least a portion of the touch sensitive module is mounted on the first flexible coating.