Flexible Display Heating Electrode for Low-Temperature Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display apparatuses using resin substrates face a deterioration in their flexible characteristics under varying environmental conditions, particularly at low temperatures, which affects their performance and durability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a heating electrode layer and a temperature sensing unit into the flexible display apparatus, which generates heat when the external temperature drops below a predetermined level to maintain the flexible characteristics, ensuring the apparatus remains functional across different environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible substrate including resin material is used to realize a flexible display apparatus, then the display apparatus can be made flexible, but the flexible characteristic deteriorates under varying environmental conditions particularly at low temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidflexible characteristic stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using a heating electrode layer to actively control the temperature parameter of the flexible substrate. When the external temperature drops below a predetermined threshold, the heating electrode generates heat to maintain the substrate temperature within a range that preserves flexibility. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the flexible substrate to maintain its flexible characteristics across varying environmental temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through a temperature sensing unit that continuously monitors the external temperature and provides this information to a control unit. The control unit adjusts the heating electrode operation based on the sensed temperature, creating a closed-loop feedback system. This feedback mechanism ensures the flexible substrate maintains optimal temperature and flexibility characteristics under varying environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the heating electrode layer is activated to maintain flexibility at low temperatures, then the flexible characteristic is preserved, but additional energy consumption occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexible characteristic stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action through temperature-based conditional activation of the heating electrode. Rather than continuous operation, the heating electrode is activated only when the temperature sensing unit detects that the external temperature falls below a predetermined threshold. This periodic, demand-based activation maintains flexible characteristic stability while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption during warm conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through an automatic temperature control system where the temperature sensing unit and control unit work autonomously to activate or deactivate the heating electrode based on environmental conditions. The system monitors its own operational state and automatically adjusts heating activation without external intervention, optimizing the balance between maintaining flexibility and managing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 maintains the flexible characteristics of the display apparatus by generating heat when necessary, preventing deterioration due to low temperatures and ensuring consistent performance regardless of environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a heating electrode layer on a surface of the flexible substrate opposite to the display layer, between the flexible substrate and the display layer, between the display layer and the cover layer, or on a surface of the cover layer opposite to the display layer... applying an electrical current to a heating electrode of a heating electrode layer of the flexible display apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9693391B2Flexible display apparatus and method of controlling flexibility of the same
Publication Date: 2017.06.27 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US9693391B2 patent drawing
  • US9693391B2 patent drawing
  • US9693391B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible display apparatus includes a flexible substrate; a display layer on the flexible substrate and including a plurality of pixels; a cover layer which covers the display layer; a heating electrode layer on a surface of the flexible substrate opposite to the display layer, between the flexible substrate and the display layer, between the display layer and the cover layer, or on a surface of the cover layer opposite to the display layer; and a temperature sensing unit configured to sense an external temperature to the flexible display apparatus.