Flexible Display Stress Management via Air Gap and Segmented Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with flexible display substrates face challenges in deformation resistance and product reliability, particularly when folded or bent, due to stress concentrations at folding areas.
Innovation Solution
The electronic device incorporates a cover panel with an air gap portion and a support plate system, including adhesive films and buffer films, to absorb and distribute stress, preventing deformation of the display module by creating a gap between the support plate and the buffer film, thereby enhancing deformation resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display substrate is used to enable folding capability, then the device becomes more convenient to store and carry, but deformation resistance and product reliability deteriorate due to stress concentrations at folding areas
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is divided into multiple regions with different structural characteristics: a first region corresponding to the folding area with reduced thickness or different material properties, and a second region corresponding to the non-folding area with standard structural properties. This segmentation allows the support plate to provide differential support - being more flexible in the folding area and more rigid in the non-folding area - thereby maintaining product reliability while preserving folding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate is designed with non-uniform thickness or material distribution, creating local quality variations. The first region (folding area) has different mechanical properties compared to the second region (non-folding area), allowing each region to perform its specific function optimally - the folding region accommodates bending while the non-folding region provides structural support and protects against deformation
2Reliability
If a support plate is added to improve deformation resistance, then product reliability increases, but device complexity increases due to additional layers in the cover panel
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate is integrated into the existing cover panel structure by positioning it at a specific location within the multi-layer cover panel assembly. Rather than adding a completely separate component, the support plate merges with the cover panel's protective function, using the cover panel's existing structural framework to hold and position the support plate, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to prevent deformation, acts as a mounting surface for the circuit board, and differentially supports the folding and non-folding areas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while improving reliability
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
This design significantly increases the deformation resistance and reliability of the electronic device by isolating the support plate's deformation from the display module, ensuring the device remains functional and durable even under external impacts.
Implementation Method 1
The cover panel is provided with an air gap portion defined therein between at least two layers among the layers to correspond to a part mounting area of the circuit board
Implementation Method 2
The cover panel includes a support plate supporting the display module and a first adhesive film disposed between the support plate and the display module
Implementation Method 3
a buffer film disposed between the first adhesive film and the display module
Data Source
AI summary
A display device is provided that includes a case comprising a bottom portion and a sidewall to define a receiving space in which the display device is accommodated. The display device comprises a display module with a display panel for displaying an image, a folding area, and a plurality of non-folding areas, and a circuit board electrically connected to the display panel. The folding area is capable of being folded about a folding axis and the non-folding areas are disposed adjacent to both sides of the folding area. A receiving groove is defined in the bottom portion of the case corresponding to a part mounting area of the circuit board. The circuit board is disposed on a rear surface of the display module.