Flexible Display Insulating Layer Chamfered Engraved Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible OLED displays face challenges in minimizing cracks and their propagation at bending regions due to external interference, which can damage the insulating layer and the display unit.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of chamfer areas with closed-engraved patterns on the insulating layer, which reduces interference with the cover window and distributes bending stress, thereby minimizing crack generation and propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible substrate is bent to achieve flexibility, then the display can be folded and conform to surfaces, but cracks are generated and propagated at the bending region due to external interference

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidcrack resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer is divided into multiple segments through engraved patterns (first, second, and third patterns) that create separated regions. These segmented structures prevent crack propagation by interrupting continuous stress paths, allowing the display to bend without developing catastrophic cracks while maintaining the necessary flexibility for folding applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the insulating layer are given different structural qualities through selectively applied engraved patterns. The bending region receives specific pattern configurations (including curved portions and varying densities) that locally enhance crack resistance, while other regions maintain their original structure, thus providing targeted protection where it is most needed without compromising overall flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the cover window is rigid to protect the display, then mechanical protection is provided, but interference with the cover window generates cracks at the bending region

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical protectionVSAvoidexternal interference
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful interaction between the rigid cover window and the flexible display is addressed by extracting or removing material from the insulating layer to create engraved patterns. These patterns reduce the contact area and stress concentration points between the cover window and the underlying structures, thereby eliminating the crack-generating interference while preserving the cover window's protective function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The structural parameters of the insulating layer are changed by introducing engraved patterns with specific geometries, depths, and distributions. These parameter changes modify the mechanical properties of the insulating layer in the bending region, reducing stress concentration and preventing crack initiation from external interference while maintaining adequate mechanical protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9658650B2Flexible display
Publication Date: 2017.05.23 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US9658650B2 patent drawing
  • US9658650B2 patent drawing
  • US9658650B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible display is disclosed. In one aspect, the flexible display includes a flexible substrate including a display area, a pad area, and a plurality of chamfer areas formed at opposing ends of the pad area. The flexible display also includes an insulating layer formed over the flexible substrate and a display unit formed over the flexible substrate in the display area. Each of the chamfer areas is adjacent to the display area in a first direction. The insulating layer formed in each of the chamfer areas includes a closed-engraved pattern having a stripe shape extending in a second direction that at least partially crosses the first direction.