Flexible Display Panel Shock Buffering via Density-Graded Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display panels face challenges in providing adequate shock resistance to both point and surface type forces, especially when constructed with thinner, flexible materials that are prone to damage from external shocks.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a display panel design featuring a first and second buffer layer with different densities and configurations, including a metal film, which absorbs and disperses shock forces effectively, even when the display is bent or folded, by utilizing materials like titanium, zirconium, and porous polymers to enhance shock resistance without increasing thickness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If thinner materials are used to enable flexible display panels, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but shock resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidshock resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple buffer layers with different densities (first buffer layer with higher density, second buffer layer with lower density) combined with a metal film layer. This composite material approach allows the thin flexible display panel to achieve enhanced shock resistance while maintaining flexibility, as each layer contributes different mechanical properties that collectively resist both point and surface shocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by positioning buffer layers with different densities at specific locations within the display panel structure. The first buffer layer with higher density is positioned to resist point shocks, while the second buffer layer with lower density is positioned to resist surface shocks. This spatial differentiation of material properties enables the thin panel to provide targeted shock protection throughout its structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If buffer layers with different densities are implemented, then shock resistance to both point and surface forces is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock resistanceVSAvoidlayer configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the buffer structure into distinct first and second buffer layers with different densities, positioned at different locations within the display panel. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in resisting specific types of shocks (point or surface), achieving comprehensive shock protection through a structured division of functional responsibilities rather than using a single uniform buffer layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If protective layers are added to improve shock resistance, then reliability is improved, but the thickness of the display panel increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshock resistanceVSAvoidpanel thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the density parameter of the buffer layers rather than increasing thickness. The first buffer layer has a higher density and the second buffer layer has a lower density, allowing both layers to be thin while collectively providing robust shock resistance. This approach maintains the thin-profile requirement by changing material density characteristics instead of adding substantial thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly improves shock resistance, allowing the display panel to withstand both point and surface shocks, maintaining high display quality and reducing the risk of damage from external impacts, as demonstrated by the pen drop and ball drop experiments.

Implementation Method 1

a first buffer layer and a second buffer layer different from the first buffer layer to respectively buffer point shock and surface shock applied to the display panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

at least one metal film adjacent to the first buffer layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectForce distribution: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 3

at least one opening configured to receive a deflected portion of the first layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11686961B2Display panel

Publication Date: 2023.06.27 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display panel capable of resisting external shock forces includes a display module to display an image having a first surface and a second surface, a first layer disposed on the second surface of the display module, and at least one second layer adjacent to the first buffer layer and having at least one opening configured to receive a deflected portion of the first layer.