Segmented Buffer Layer for Flexible Display Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
In flexible display panels, the uniform bending process is hindered by the elastic restoring force of support layer structures, leading to film layer separation during curvature formation, as all support layer materials are made of the same material and exhibit integral structures, resulting in a rebound force that causes separation.
Innovation Solution
A display module design featuring a buffer layer with segmented first and second buffer portions of varying elastic moduli, and a stress relief portion to absorb and release stress during bending, reducing the elastic recovery force and minimizing film separation risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If all support layer materials are made of the same material with integral structures, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the elastic restoring force causes film layer separation during bending
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer is divided into multiple buffer portions (first buffer portion, second buffer portion, etc.) with different elastic moduli. Each buffer portion corresponds to a specific bendable region of the display panel, allowing independent stress management in different areas during bending operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different buffer portions are assigned different elastic moduli tailored to their specific locations and functions. The first buffer portion has a first elastic modulus while the second buffer portion has a second elastic modulus, optimizing the buffer characteristics for each region's bending requirements.
2Device complexity
If the buffer layer has uniform elastic modulus, then the structure is simple, but the rebound force causes film separation during curvature formation
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer is segmented into multiple portions with different elastic moduli, allowing each segment to manage stress locally without generating excessive rebound force that would cause film separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic modulus parameter is varied across different buffer portions. The first buffer portion has a different elastic modulus than the second buffer portion, enabling optimized stress absorption and reduced harmful rebound forces during bending.
3Shape
If the display panel is bent to form curved surface, then the desired shape is achieved, but stress concentration leads to cracks or fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer is divided into multiple portions that correspond to different bendable regions. Each portion independently manages stress in its region, preventing stress concentration at any single location and reducing the risk of cracks during curvature formation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different elastic moduli are assigned to different buffer portions to optimize stress distribution during bending. This parameter variation ensures even stress distribution across the curved surface, preventing stress concentration that would lead to cracks or fractures.
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 segmented buffer layer design and stress relief portion effectively reduce the rebound force, minimizing film separation and enhancing the stability of the curved display surface by distributing stress more evenly, thus preventing cracks or fractures during bending.
Implementation Method 1
The stress relief portion is disposed on a side of the second bendable region proximate to the buffer layer, and is configured to absorb and release a stress generated during a bending process of the second bendable region of the display panel
Implementation Method 2
an elastic modulus of the second buffer portion is less than an elastic modulus of the first buffer portion
Data Source
AI summary
A display module includes a display panel including a main body region, a first bendable region, a second bendable region and a back region, a buffer layer and a stress relief portion. The first bendable region and the second bendable region are both bent toward the back side of the display panel, and the back region is bent to be disposed opposite to the first bendable region. The buffer layer includes a first buffer portion corresponding to the main body region and a second buffer portion corresponding to the first bendable region, and an elastic modulus of the second buffer portion is less than that of the first buffer portion. The stress relief portion is configured to absorb and release a stress generated during a bending process of the second bendable region of the display panel.