Flexible Display Module Layout for Folded PCB Space Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible display modules face challenges with large space occupation by circuit boards, leading to reduced space for whole-machine elements, increased costs due to spacers, and potential damage to electronic components during bending.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display module design featuring a circuit board with a foldable FPC and multi-layer PCB, secured by adhesives, which reduces space occupation and protects electronic components by allowing them to be received in defined spaces, using a method that eliminates the need for spacers and enhances structural rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional circuit board is used in flexible display modules, then electronic components can be mounted and connected, but the circuit board occupies large space, reducing space for whole-machine elements
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into a rigid PCB portion and a flexible FPC portion. The rigid PCB is positioned in the bonding region away from the display region, while the flexible FPC connects the PCB to the display panel. This segmentation allows the circuit board to occupy minimal space in the bonding region while maintaining full functionality for mounting electronic components and establishing electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board transitions from a conventional planar structure to a three-dimensional configuration where the rigid PCB and flexible FPC form different spatial layers. The FPC bends to create vertical separation between the PCB and display panel, utilizing the Z-dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint and maximize space for whole-machine elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spacers are used to maintain bending distance, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer component is completely removed from the system. Instead of using separate spacer elements to maintain the bending distance, the flexible FPC itself forms the bending region that naturally maintains the required distance between the rigid PCB and the display panel through its inherent flexibility and structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible FPC serves dual functions: it provides electrical connection between the PCB and display panel, and simultaneously maintains the bending distance through its own structural properties. The FPC's flexibility allows it to form the necessary bending region without requiring external spacer components, making the system self-sufficient.
3Reliability
If electronic components are mounted on a conventional circuit board, then electrical connections are established, but components may collide or be damaged during bending
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic components are mounted exclusively on the rigid PCB portion, which remains stationary and does not undergo bending. The flexible FPC portion, which undergoes bending during display panel folding, contains only conductive traces and no mounted components. This segmentation separates the static component mounting area from the dynamic flexible connection area, preventing component collision and damage during bending operations.
4Strength
If a rigid circuit board is used, then structural rigidity is maintained, but the overall display module flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is segmented into a rigid PCB portion that provides structural support and component mounting stability, and a flexible FPC portion that enables bending and folding. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific functional requirement - rigidity where needed for components and flexibility where needed for bending - without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the circuit board have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The PCB region has high rigidity to support and protect mounted electronic components, while the FPC region has high flexibility to accommodate bending and folding of the display panel. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between overall rigidity and flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible display module includes a flexible display panel, a driving chip and a circuit board. The flexible display panel includes a display region and a bonding region arranged at a side of the display region opposite to a light-exiting side, and a bending region between the display region and the bonding region. The flexible display module further includes a flexible substrate supporting the flexible display panel, the flexible substrate includes a first flexible substrate and a second flexible substrate. The circuit board is connected to the other end of the second flexible substrate at a first position. An orthographic projection of the driving chip onto a plane where the first flexible substrate is located and an orthographic projection of the bending region onto the plane where the first flexible substrate is located are both located on a same side of a first vertical line.