Flexible Display Substrate Protrusions for TFT Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays face damage to thin film transistors due to the poor toughness of SiNx or SiOx layers, leading to compromised display quality during bending.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display substrate design featuring protrusions on one side that overlap with thin film transistors, distributing stress and protecting them during bending, while maintaining display quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SiNx layer or SiOx layer is used in the array substrate, then the display quality can be maintained, but the layer is prone to fracture during bending due to poor toughness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces protrusions with different mechanical properties at specific locations (below thin film transistors) to provide localized stress relief. These protrusions create a cushioning effect precisely where the thin film transistor is most vulnerable during bending, while maintaining the original SiNx/SiOx layer properties in other areas to preserve display quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions are pre-formed on the flexible substrate before assembling the thin film transistor and SiNx/SiOx layers. This beforehand cushioning structure anticipates the bending stress and provides mechanical protection in advance, preventing fracture before it occurs during the bending operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flexible display is bent, then portability and compactness are improved, but the SiNx layer or SiOx layer fractures causing damage to the thin film transistor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating protrusions with distinct mechanical characteristics at specific locations (below thin film transistors) rather than uniformly modifying the entire substrate. This localized approach provides targeted protection to the vulnerable thin film transistor areas while maintaining flexibility and portability of the overall display structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions serve as pre-positioned cushioning elements that prepare the structure for bending stresses. By having these protective features in place before bending occurs, the thin film transistor is protected from fracture during portability-related bending operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional rigid display structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but impact resistance and seismic resistance are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a rigid display structure to a flexible substrate with protrusions, maintaining manufacturing simplicity by using standard flexible substrate materials and processes. The protrusion structure provides enhanced impact and seismic resistance through its ability to deform and absorb stress, while remaining compatible with existing manufacturing techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a flexible display substrate including a first flexible substrate and a plurality of display elements disposed on a first side of the first flexible substrate, each of the display elements including a thin film transistor. The flexible display substrate further includes a plurality of protrusions each provided on a second side of the first flexible substrate opposite to the first side and corresponding to a respective thin film transistor in a thickness direction of the first flexible substrate. A projection area of each protrusion, in the thickness direction of the first flexible substrate, on the second side of the first flexible substrate at least partially overlaps with a projection area of the thin film transistor corresponding to the protrusion, in the thickness direction of the first flexible substrate, on the second side of the first flexible substrate. In the present invention, it can avoid or alleviate the damage to the thin film transistor during bending the flexible display substrate.