Flexible Electronic Device Support Structure Ribs Grooves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display devices face challenges in maintaining both bendability and structural stability, particularly when subjected to excessive bending or repeated bending, which can lead to permanent deformation and separation of structural components.

Innovation Solution

A flexible electronic device design that incorporates an electronic structure and a support structure, where the support structure features a plurality of protrusions and grooves that provide structural stability while allowing for bending and rolling, with specific geometric conditions such as R4≥R3/3 and W1*N≥2*π*(R1−R2)*θ/360° to ensure stability and prevent structural separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the flexible display device is made bendable and rollable, then the space occupation is reduced and portability is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates leading to permanent deformation and component separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace occupationVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple protrusions and grooves that divide the continuous structure into discrete functional elements. These segments can independently deform during bending while maintaining overall structural integrity, preventing permanent deformation and component separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure has non-uniform local properties through the protrusions and grooves pattern. The protrusions provide localized reinforcement at critical stress points, while the grooves allow controlled deformation in specific directions, enabling the structure to maintain stability during bending and rolling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the bending amplitude is increased to achieve more compact form, then the portability is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates causing permanent deformation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompact formVSAvoidresistance to deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is pre-configured with protrusions and grooves in specific patterns before bending occurs. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that when bending happens, the stress is distributed along predetermined paths, preventing random deformation and maintaining structural integrity even at large bending amplitudes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure's geometric parameters (protrusion height, groove depth, spacing between features) are optimized to change the structural response during bending. These parameter designs allow the structure to accommodate large bending amplitudes while maintaining strength and preventing permanent deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If repeated bending is performed to achieve dynamic flexibility, then the adaptability is improved, but the structural stability deteriorates leading to component separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic flexibilityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed with dynamic characteristics through the protrusion-groove pattern that allows reversible deformation. The structure can dynamically adapt to repeated bending cycles while maintaining structural integrity, preventing component separation through the elastic deformation capability of the grooved design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The grooves in the support structure act as pre-designed cushioning elements that absorb and distribute stress during repeated bending. This beforehand cushioning prevents stress concentration at critical points, maintaining structural integrity and preventing component separation even under repeated bending conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS20250190023A1Flexible electronic device

Publication Date: 2025.06.12 PANELSEMI CORP

AI summary

A flexible electronic device capable of rolling or bending about an axis so that it can transform between a rolled state and an extended state. The flexible electronic device includes an electronic structure and a support structure. The electronic structure has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The support structure has a third surface and a fourth surface opposite to each other. The third surface is connected with the second surface. The support structure defines a first direction parallel to the direction of the axis and defines a second direction perpendicular to the first surface. The second surface of the support structure includes a plurality of ribs parallel to the first direction, and a groove is formed between any two adjacent ribs. Each groove defines an open end and a closed end in the second direction.