Flexible Display Conductive Layer for Static Discharge and Stress Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display devices face issues with static electricity discharge and stress/temperature-induced luminance variations due to the use of plastic substrates with high dielectric constants, particularly during manufacturing and folding operations.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display device design incorporating a conductive layer between two flexible substrate layers, with a sensing portion to measure resistance variations, allowing for static electricity discharge and compensation for stress and temperature effects on luminance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a plastic film substrate with high dielectric constant is used to increase flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but static electricity accumulates due to lack of discharge path

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstatic electricity accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A conductive layer is introduced as an intermediary between the plastic substrate and the display panel. This conductive layer serves as a discharge path for static electricity generated on the high dielectric constant plastic film, preventing accumulation while preserving the substrate's flexibility. The conductive layer acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between flexibility and static electricity control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the glass substrate is separated from the plastic film by laser to increase flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but static electricity is generated during the separation process

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstatic electricity generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful static electricity generated during laser separation into a beneficial discharge path. The conductive layer, positioned between the plastic substrate and display panel, captures and dissipates the static electricity generated during manufacturing processes like laser separation, transforming a harmful byproduct into a controlled electrical discharge that protects the display device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Adaptability or versatility

If stress or temperature changes occur during folding operations to enable flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but luminance uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidluminance uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism using a sensing portion that measures resistance changes in the conductive layer. When stress or temperature changes occur during folding operations, the sensing portion detects these changes through resistance variation in the conductive layer, and this information is used to compensate for luminance non-uniformity, maintaining display quality despite mechanical deformation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 solution effectively discharges static electricity and compensates for stress and temperature-induced luminance variations, maintaining uniform display characteristics across different substrate conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive layer between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a sensing portion configured to measure a resistance of the conductive layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical resistance measurement: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS10818227B2Display device capable of discharging static electricity and sensing stress or temperature of a substrate thereof

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a substrate including a first substrate layer which is flexible, a second substrate layer which is flexible, and a conductive layer between the first substrate layer and the second substrate layer, a display panel including a plurality of transistors disposed on the substrate, and a sensing portion configured to measure a resistance of the conductive layer.