Flexible Display Detection Wire for TFE Damage Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thin film encapsulation (TFE) in flexible displays deforms during folding or rolling operations, making it vulnerable to physical damage, and it is challenging to distinguish between damage caused by external impacts and exposure to low-temperature environments, leading to incorrect defect identification and increased customer service costs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a flexible display module that includes a deformation region with a detection wire connected to a display driver IC, allowing for the identification of physical damage to the TFE layer and differentiation between damage types by monitoring electrical values and internal temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive is used to reduce TFE deformation during folding operations, then deformation is reduced at normal temperatures, but adhesive solidifies at low temperatures causing physical damage to TFE
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system segments the damage detection problem into two distinct pathways: one for adhesive-related damage (detected by first detection wire in deformation region) and one for impact damage (detected by second detection wire). This allows the system to identify the specific cause of TFE detachment without being affected by temperature variations in the adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces detection wires as intermediary elements that mediate between the TFE layer and the control circuit. These wires provide a reliable detection mechanism that is not affected by adhesive solidification, allowing the system to distinguish between adhesive-related issues and actual TFE damage even at low temperatures.
2Reliability
If TFE is made thin to protect TFT from moisture and air, then protection effectiveness is improved, but vulnerability to deformation and physical damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical reinforcement of the TFE layer with an electrical detection system. Instead of making the TFE mechanically stronger (which would compromise its thin protective function), the system uses detection wires and electrical signals to monitor and identify damage, allowing the TFE to remain thin and flexible while providing adequate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection wire system enables the display device to self-diagnose TFE damage. The control circuit automatically detects changes in electrical values of the detection wires and identifies the cause of TFE detachment, eliminating the need for external inspection and enabling the device to monitor its own protective layer integrity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If adhesive is used to reduce TFE deformation, then deformation is reduced, but it becomes impossible to distinguish between adhesive failure and actual TFE damage
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple detection wires with distinct functions: the first detection wire monitors the deformation region for adhesive-related issues, while the second detection wire monitors non-deformation regions for impact damage. This segmentation enables precise identification of the damage cause despite the presence of adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display device are assigned different detection functions based on their local characteristics. The deformation region (where adhesive is applied) uses the first detection wire to monitor adhesive performance, while non-deformation regions use the second detection wire to detect external impacts. This local differentiation enables accurate damage cause identification.
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
Enables accurate detection of TFE layer damage and determines the cause of damage, reducing unnecessary customer service claims and improving defect diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
a detection wire disposed on the protection layer in the deformation region and configured to have an electrical value changeable depending on physical damage to the protection layer
Implementation Method 2
receiving, based on the identifying, an internal temperature value of the electronic device which is detected by a temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device include: a first housing; a second housing; a display module including a flexible substrate, a TFT layer on the flexible substrate, a protection layer on the TFT layer, and a deformation region which deforms as a relative position between the first housing and the second housing changes; a bending portion including a first layer integral with the flexible substrate and bent, and a second layer integral with the TFT layer, bent and laminated on the first layer; a display driver IC (DDI) in the bending portion; a touch wire on the protection layer to be connected to a touch circuit; and a detection wire on the protection layer in the deformation region and having an electrical value changeable by physical damage to the protection layer. The detection wire extends from the protection layer to the second layer so as to be electrically connected to the DDI.