Flexible Display Crease Prevention via Force Sensing and Traction Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible OLED displays often develop creases when flattened after being bent for a long time due to the Creep phenomenon of optical gel (OCA glue) inside, leading to incomplete flatness upon unfolding.
Innovation Solution
A force sensing system is integrated into the flexible display panel, comprising a folded housing with wing portions, hinge components, and actuators, which detect deformation and apply controlled traction forces to ensure complete flatness by calculating and applying optimal traction forces through a controller and force sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible display panel is bent by great curvature for a long time, then the flexibility and adaptability are improved, but creases appear on the surface due to Creep phenomenon of optical gel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using actuators to proactively pull the flexible display panel to a predetermined flat position before creases become permanent. The force sensing system detects deformation in advance and triggers the actuators to restore the panel to its original flat state, preventing the Creep phenomenon from causing permanent damage to the optical gel structure.
2Shape
If actuators are added to apply traction forces, then the flatness restoration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by integrating multiple functions into the folded housing structure. The housing serves as both the structural enclosure and the mounting platform for actuators and force sensing systems. The same actuator mechanism that enables folding also provides the traction force for flatness restoration, eliminating the need for separate dedicated flatting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the folding mechanism and flatness restoration mechanism into a single integrated system. The actuators that drive the folding operation are the same components that apply traction forces to restore flatness, and the force sensing system monitors both folding and flatting operations, reducing overall system complexity despite adding functionality.
3Measurement precision
If force sensing system is integrated, then the measurement precision of deformation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensing system serves multiple functions: it detects deformation during folding, triggers flatness restoration, and monitors the flatting process. By integrating this sensing capability into the existing control system of the foldable display, the patent avoids adding a completely separate monitoring system, thereby reducing the impact on overall complexity.
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 system effectively prevents creases by applying precise traction forces, ensuring the flexible display panel can return to a fully flat state after being folded, maintaining its flatness and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensing system configured in a bending area of the flexible display panel, the bending area of the flexible display panel being bent frequently, and the force sensing system being configured for detecting a deformed state of the flexible display panel
Implementation Method 2
The preliminary results are caused by the Creep phenomenon of the optical gel (OCA glue) inside the flexible display
Implementation Method 3
the first actuator and the second actuator configured to apply traction forces to the first end portion and the second portion according to force information detected by the force sensing system
Implementation Method 4
the first actuator includes a first actuator motor and a first elastic-pushing component connecting with the first actuator motor, the second actuator includes a second actuator motor and second first elastic-pushing component connecting with the second actuator motor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to display devices. The display device includes a flexible display panel, a folded housing carrying the flexible display panel, and a force sensing system configured in a bending area of the flexible display panel. The bending area of the flexible display panel is bent frequently. The force sensing system is configured for detecting a deformed state of the flexible display panel. The flexible display panel protrudes from the first wing portion and the second wing portion, and the flexible display panel connects to the first actuator and the second actuator. The first actuator and the second actuator are configured to apply traction forces to the first end portion and the second portion according to force information detected by the force sensing system, such that the flexible display panel being completely bonded on a surface of the folded housing.