Flexible Display Panel with Heating Wire and Expansion Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible display panels have fixed bending directions and degrees, making them inflexible for individual user adjustments and prone to damage from forces applied in unintended directions.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a flexible substrate and a heating wire layer, where the first and second expansion layers with high thermal expansion coefficients allow for adjustable bending by heating, enabling the display panel to be easily bent and shaped according to user preferences, and including a thermal diffusion prevention layer to manage heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display panel with fixed bending direction is used, then the panel can be bent, but the bending direction and degree cannot be adjusted to suit individual users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of bending direction and degreeVSAvoidcomplexity of bending control mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating wire layer is divided into multiple independent heating wire regions (first, second, third, fourth heating wire layers) that can be independently controlled. Each heating wire region corresponds to a specific expansion layer and can be activated separately to achieve different bending directions and degrees, providing adaptability without requiring a complex centralized control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel transitions from a static fixed-bending state to a dynamic adjustable-bending state through the heating-wire-controlled expansion layers. By dynamically activating different heating wire regions, the panel can adapt its bending characteristics in real-time according to user needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If force is applied to the display panel in a direction opposite to the panel bending direction, then the panel may be easily damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage resistance of display panelVSAvoiduser contact during calls
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is pre-configured with multiple expansion layers and heating wire regions that can be activated before potential damage occurs. By preliminarily establishing the proper bending state through selective heating, the panel is prepared to resist forces applied in unintended directions, preventing damage before it happens.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The expansion layers act as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and distributes forces applied to the panel. By activating specific heating wire regions, the panel creates a protective bent state that cushions against potential damage from forces applied in opposite directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If heating wire layer is added to control expansion, then bending control is achieved, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of bending controlVSAvoidnumber of layers and components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating wire layer is merged with the expansion layers in an integrated structure where the heating wires are disposed on or within the expansion layers. This combining of functions (heating and expanding) into a single integrated system reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate independent systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating wire layer serves multiple functions: it heats the expansion layers to create bending, controls the degree of bending, and can be configured in different patterns (zigzag, linear) to achieve different bending effects. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 display panel can be easily bent and shaped in various forms, providing user-adjustable flexibility and reducing the risk of damage from unintended forces, while maintaining the integrity of the display.

Implementation Method 1

a heating wire layer disposed on at least one of the first expansion layer and the second expansion layer. The heating wire layer may include a lower film, a heating wire disposed on the lower film and an upper film disposed on the heating wire.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

The first expansion layer and the second expansion layer may be formed of metals. The first extension layer and the second extension layer may have a thermal expansion coefficient difference of greater than 0.5.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS9018837B2Display device
Publication Date: 2015.04.28 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US9018837B2 patent drawing
  • US9018837B2 patent drawing
  • US9018837B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device display device includes a display panel, a thermal diffusion prevention layer disposed on the display panel, a first expansion layer and a second expansion layer disposed on the first thermal diffusion prevention layer, and a heating wire layer disposed on at least one of the first expansion layer and the second expansion layer.