Flexible Cover Window Elastic Buffer Layer Folding Delamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible cover windows for displays suffer from delamination or buckling issues due to differences in elongation at folding parts, particularly when thicker or harder materials are used, limiting their application in foldable, rollable, and stretchable displays.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cover window with an elastic buffer layer formed on the rear surface of the window substrate, either in a single or multi-layer structure, to absorb micro-deformation and prevent delamination or buckling, using materials like elastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, or polyolefin films with adhesive layers for improved flexibility and impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thicker or harder cover window material is used, then strength and impact resistance are improved, but delamination or buckling occurs more frequently at folding parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cover window into multiple functional layers: a rigid window substrate layer for strength and impact resistance, and a separate elastic buffer layer for absorbing deformation at folding parts. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specialized function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a rigid window substrate (glass or polymer) with an elastic buffer layer (elastomer or rubber material). This composite material approach integrates the advantages of both rigid and elastic materials to simultaneously achieve strength and flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a polymer film is used for the cover window, then flexibility is achieved, but mechanical strength and impact resistance are weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the flexibility function (performed by the elastic buffer layer) from the strength function (performed by the window substrate), allowing the use of rigid materials for strength while maintaining overall system flexibility through the elastic layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines a rigid window substrate with an elastic buffer layer, creating a multi-material system that exhibits both the strength of rigid materials and the flexibility of elastic materials.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the number of folds increases, then the display adapts to repeated use, but marks and damage occur on the folding part
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic buffer layer is positioned in advance at the folding part to cushion and absorb the stresses and deformations that occur during repeated folding, preventing marks and damage before they can form on the window substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters (elasticity, hardness, thickness) of the buffer layer to optimize its ability to absorb deformation energy during repeated folding cycles, thereby extending the display's lifespan.
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 elastic buffer layer effectively alleviates the difference in elongation between the window substrate and display panel, enhancing the lifespan of the cover window, minimizing screen distortion, and allowing for a wider range of material choices based on folding methods and product specifications, while maintaining strength and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic buffer layer on the rear surface of a substrate thereof to absorb micro-deformation occurring in a folding part
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a flexible cover window including a window substrate and an elastic buffer layer having a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. The elastic buffer layer is provided on the rear surface of the window substrate to absorb deformation occurring in a folding part. The flexible cover window is a glass-based cover window for protecting a flexible display that is foldable, rollable, slidable, or stretchable. In addition, the flexible cover window has an elastic buffer layer on the rear surface of the window substrate to reduce the difference in elongation between the window substrate and a display panel so that delamination or buckling due to micro-deformation at the folding part thereof can be prevented. Therefore, the life span of the flexible cover window is prolonged and distortion of an image on the screen at the folding part can be prevented.