Flexible Display Module Reinforcement Layer Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display modules face challenges in enhancing reliability while maintaining bending characteristics, as the thickness of the protective layer affects both protection and flexibility, leading to potential damage during bending tests like the ball drop test.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a reinforcement layer with a higher modulus than the existing layers, positioned between the display layer and the protective layer, which reduces stress on the display layer and improves bending characteristics without compromising the protective layer's thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thickness of the protective layer is increased to improve protection characteristics, then the protective properties are improved, but the bending characteristics are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented into two separate layers: a thin protective layer (5-300μm) for flexibility and a reinforcement layer (10-150μm) for structural strength. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between protection and bending characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a protective layer with a reinforcement layer having different material properties. The reinforcement layer has a higher modulus of elasticity than the protective layer, creating a composite system that provides both protection and flexibility. This composite approach enables the display module to withstand impact while maintaining bending capability.
2Reliability
If the thickness of the protective layer is increased to improve protection characteristics, then the protection characteristics of the OLED device are improved, but the bending characteristics of the flexible display module are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement layer acts as an intermediary between the protective layer and the display layer. It distributes mechanical stress from impact events, preventing direct transmission of forces to the OLED device while allowing the thin protective layer to maintain flexibility. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing protection without compromising bending characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameters by introducing a reinforcement layer with specific thickness (10-150μm) and material properties (higher modulus of elasticity). This parameter change enables the system to achieve both adequate protection (thickness of protective layer: 5-300μm) and maintained bending characteristics through optimized structural configuration.
3Reliability
If a reinforcement layer is added to improve reliability, then the stress distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement, distributes stress from impact events, and maintains the flexibility of the display module. By making this single layer multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving improved reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible display module and a display device are provided. The flexible display module includes: a flexible substrate; a display layer, disposed on the flexible substrate; a reinforcement layer, disposed on a side of the display layer distal to the flexible substrate; and a protective layer, disposed on a side of the reinforcement layer distal to the flexible substrate; where material of the reinforcement layer is different from material of the protective layer, and a thickness of the protective layer ranges from 5 μm to 300 μm.