Flexible Display Panel Wrapping Side Surface to Reduce Non-Display Area

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable electronic devices face limitations in display size due to their compact nature, leading to inconveniences in multimedia usage, particularly with the formation of non-display areas like black matrices and bezels when flexible printed circuit boards are used.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a display panel with a bending part that extends from the side surface, allowing the display panel to surround the side and rear surfaces of the device, reducing non-display areas and enhancing the utilization of the front surface for display purposes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a flexible printed circuit board is used to connect the display panel, then the display can be bent to surround side surfaces, but non-display areas (black matrix area or bezel) are widely formed on the front surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidnon-display area
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel is configured to extend from the front surface along the side surface to the rear surface of the housing, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to wrap around the device. This allows the display to occupy multiple surfaces rather than being confined to a single flat plane, thereby increasing total display area while minimizing non-display areas on the front surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is divided into multiple functional parts: a front surface part parallel to the front surface, a bending part extending along the side surface, and a rear surface part extending to the rear surface. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while collectively achieving the goal of maximizing display area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the display panel is bent to surround side surfaces, then effective display area increases, but the structural complexity of connecting the display to the housing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveeffective display areaVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel, bracket, and housing are integrated into a unified structure where the bracket is seated on the housing and the display panel is fixed to the bracket. This merging of components simplifies the overall assembly and reduces the number of separate connection mechanisms needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel utilizes the depth dimension of the device to wrap around side surfaces, transforming a two-dimensional display into a three-dimensional structure. This allows the display to cover multiple surfaces (front, side, and rear) without requiring additional complex connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the display panel extends along side surfaces, then non-display area on front surface is reduced, but the thickness of the display module increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefront surface display areaVSAvoiddisplay module thickness
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The display module is segmented into the display panel, bracket, and housing as separate but integrated components. This allows the display panel to extend along the side surface while the bracket provides structural support, managing the thickness increase through organized component layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket and housing are merged into a unified support structure that accommodates the extended display panel. This integration allows the display to wrap around side surfaces while maintaining a compact overall thickness through coordinated component design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3375023B1Display and electronic device including the same
Publication Date: 2020.03.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3375023B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3375023B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3375023B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic device includes a housing that comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a side surface, the housing having at least one through-hole formed on the side surface, a flexible polymer layer that comprises a first part that is parallel to the first surface, a second part extending from the first part along the side surface, and a third part extending from the second part and inserted between the first part and the second surface, the polymer layer having at least one opening that passes through the second part and the third part, a plurality of display elements disposed on the flexible polymer layer, a display driving circuit, and at least one conductive line coupled to the polymer layer, extends along the second part, and is arranged around the opening, the through-hole and the opening being at least partially aligned with each other.