Bending Area Crack Prevention in Flexible Display Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display apparatuses are prone to defects and reduced lifespan due to external shocks during the manufacturing process or usage, particularly when bent, as existing technologies lack effective measures to prevent crack propagation and protect the display area from damage.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus design featuring a substrate with a bending area containing an inorganic insulating portion with dams and grooves, where the first organic layer partially overlaps the inorganic insulating portion to cover the dams and fill grooves, providing structural reinforcement and protection against external shocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display apparatus is bent to improve visibility at various angles and reduce non-display area, then the adaptability and space utilization are improved, but the reliability and lifespan decrease due to defects caused by external shocks
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic insulating layer is segmented into multiple dams that define grooves between them. This segmentation allows the structure to absorb external shocks by distributing stress across multiple segments rather than creating a single point of failure, thereby preventing crack propagation while maintaining the bent configuration for improved visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The organic layer is positioned to cover the dams and fill the grooves between them, creating a cushioning effect before external shocks occur. This pre-positioned organic material absorbs and distributes impact forces, preventing cracks from forming in the first place and protecting the wiring area beneath.
2Reliability
If the inorganic insulating layer is made continuous to improve insulation performance, then the electrical insulation is improved, but the resistance to external shocks and crack propagation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic insulating layer is divided into multiple discrete dams separated by grooves. Each dam maintains electrical insulation for its local region, while the grooves filled with organic material act as stress-relief zones that prevent cracks from propagating across the entire layer, thus maintaining both insulation performance and shock resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The structure combines inorganic insulating dams with organic material filling the grooves between them. This composite configuration leverages the excellent electrical insulation properties of the inorganic material while the organic material provides flexibility and crack-arresting capabilities, resolving the contradiction between continuous insulation and crack propagation resistance.
3Area of stationary object
If the bending area is reduced to improve device compactness, then the device size is reduced, but the structural integrity and resistance to external shocks deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic insulating dams and organic layer filling are specifically positioned in the bending area to provide localized reinforcement. This local quality enhancement strengthens the bending region without requiring a larger overall bending area, maintaining structural integrity while preserving device compactness.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a display apparatus which may reduce or minimize the occurrence of a defect due to an external shock while improving an expected lifespan thereof. The display apparatus includes a substrate having a first area, a second area, and a bending area between the first area and the second area, and being configured to be bent around a bending axis extending in a first direction, an inorganic insulating portion on the bending area, having a width along an edge of the substrate, and including a plurality of dams defining a plurality of grooves, and a first organic layer on the bending area, and partially overlapping the inorganic insulating portion to cover at least some of the dams.