Flexible Cover Plate With Flow Layer For Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible cover plates for foldable intelligent terminal products lack sufficient rigidity and repeated bending capability, leading to potential damage and deformation when bent.

Innovation Solution

A flexible cover plate design comprising a first and second cover-plate layer with a flow layer in between, containing a fluid capable of flowing and a transparent nano-glass material, and support bumps to enhance rigidity and bending capability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the thickness of the PI thin film is reduced to less than 0.1 mm to achieve good repeated bending capability, then the repeated bending capability is improved, but the rigidity and protective capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepeated bending capabilityVSAvoidrigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite structure consisting of multiple layers: a flexible base material layer (PI thin film with thickness 0.05-0.5 mm), a flow layer (0.1-0.2 mm thickness) containing fluid and transparent nano-glass material, and support bumps (0.05-0.1 mm height) attached to the inner side of the cover plate. This composite structure combines the flexibility of the thin PI film with the rigidity and impact buffering provided by the flow layer and support bumps, resolving the contradiction between repeated bending capability and rigidity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a flow layer containing fluid capable of flowing (such as silicone oil or other viscous fluids) that can move and redistribute under external forces. When impact occurs, the fluid flows to absorb and dissipate energy, providing dynamic impact buffering while maintaining the thin overall structure for repeated bending capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Duration of action of moving object

If the thickness of the cover plate is reduced to enable repeated bending, then the repeated bending capability is improved, but the impact protection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepeated bending capabilityVSAvoidimpact damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a flow layer containing viscous fluid and transparent nano-glass material that serves as a pre-positioned cushioning mechanism. Before impact occurs, the flow layer is already in place to absorb and dissipate impact energy through fluid flow and material deformation, protecting the flexible module from damage while maintaining the thin structure needed for repeated bending

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the cover plate structure by using a multi-layer composition with specific thickness ranges: the flexible base material layer (0.05-0.5 mm), flow layer (0.1-0.2 mm), and support bumps (0.05-0.1 mm height). These parameter optimizations enable the cover plate to achieve both repeated bending capability and impact protection simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for repeated bending without cracking or deformation, provides impact buffering, and enhances overall rigidity, protecting the flexible module from damage.

Implementation Method 1

When the flexible cover plate is bent, the fluid in the flow layer that is sealed between the first cover-plate layer and the second cover-plate layer flows toward two sides of the flexible cover plate, to reduce a thickness at a bent part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Implementation Method 2

The transparent nano-glass material that accounts for a specific volume ratio of the filling volume of the fluid is added to the flow layer, so that the flow layer is gel-like. When the flexible cover plate is bent, flow resistance of the fluid in the flow layer is increased to some extent, thereby avoiding problems such as cracks and deformations at a bent part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow resistance: Drag

Implementation Method 3

the flow layer can effectively absorb energy, thereby effectively reducing impact against the flexible module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact buffering: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3699892B1Flexible cover plate, flexible display device, and flexible terminal product
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3699892B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3699892B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3699892B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A flexible cover plate, a flexible display apparatus, and a flexible terminal product are provided, to make the flexible cover plate feature a repeated bending capability and sufficient rigidity. The flexible cover plate (2001) includes a first cover-plate layer (11), a second cover-plate layer (12), and a flow layer (13). The flow layer (13) is enclosed between the first cover-plate layer (11) and the second cover-plate layer (12) by using a transparent sealing material. The first cover-plate layer (11) and the second cover-plate layer (12) each have a thickness ranging from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, and the flow layer has a thickness ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. At least one first support bump (15) is attached to an inner side of the first cover-plate layer (11), and at least one second support bump (16) is attached to an inner side of the second cover-plate layer (12).