Flexible Display Support Structure With Movable Backing for Lower Stress

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flexible display devices face challenges in reducing stress and weight when transitioning between states, such as foldable or slidable configurations, which can lead to damage and increased weight due to the use of segmented support structures.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a display panel with adjacent first and second display areas, supported by first and second support members with varying thicknesses and a movable second support member, which reduces stress and weight by allowing the second support member to move between areas, and includes stretchable portions and adhesive layers with different thicknesses to maintain surface quality and reduce overall weight.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If segmented support bodies are used in flexible display devices, then the display can be made flexible and movable, but the stress on the display panel increases and the overall weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstress on display panel

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first support body and second support body into a single integrated support structure with varying thickness. The first support layer provides support in the first display area while the second support layer extends to the second display area, creating a unified support system that reduces stress concentration and eliminates the need for segmented support bodies, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure employs local quality by having different thicknesses in different regions. The first support layer has a greater thickness in the first display area to provide stronger support where needed, while the second support layer has a smaller thickness in the second display area to reduce weight. This localized variation in thickness optimizes both stress distribution and weight reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If segmented support bodies are used in flexible display devices, then the display can be made flexible and movable, but the overall weight of the device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidoverall weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the first support body and second support body into a single integrated support structure with varying thickness. The first support layer provides support in the first display area while the second support layer extends to the second display area, creating a unified support system that reduces stress concentration and eliminates the need for segmented support bodies, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure employs local quality by having different thicknesses in different regions. The first support layer has a greater thickness in the first display area to provide stronger support where needed, while the second support layer has a smaller thickness in the second display area to reduce weight. This localized variation in thickness optimizes both stress distribution and weight reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If uniform thickness support layers are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but stress distribution during display transitions becomes uneven

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidstress distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure employs local quality by having different thicknesses in different regions. The first support layer has a greater thickness in the first display area to provide stronger support where needed, while the second support layer has a smaller thickness in the second display area to reduce weight. This localized variation in thickness optimizes both stress distribution and weight reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 design effectively reduces stress on the display panel and minimizes weight by allowing the second support member to move, thereby enhancing the reliability and flexibility of the display device while maintaining surface quality and reducing the overall weight.

Implementation Method 1

the second support member may include an electromagnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS20230284404A1Display device

Publication Date: 2023.09.07 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel having a first display area and a second display area adjacent to the first display area. A first support member is disposed under the display panel and includes a first support layer overlapping the first display area and a second support layer overlapping the second display area. The second support layer has a thickness different from a thickness of the first support layer. A second support member is movable under the first support member from the first display area to the second display area or from the second display area to the first display area.