Flexible Display Edge Protection via Side Caps

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Rollable and foldable display devices face issues with edge damage from external impacts, light leakage, and friction-induced scratches due to their ultrathin structure, which increases repair needs and consumer complaints.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display device design featuring back bars attached to the rear surface of the display panel with side caps that cover the edges and front surface, preventing light leakage and friction between panel portions, and using an adhesive member to secure the back bars, thereby protecting the edges from damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display panel is made ultrathin to enable rolling, then the display device achieves rollability and flexibility, but the edges become vulnerable to external impacts and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproverollabilityVSAvoidedge durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a side seal member that extends along the edge of the display panel before damage can occur. This side seal member acts as a protective barrier that absorbs and distributes external impacts, preventing direct damage to the ultrathin display panel edges while maintaining the panel's thin profile for rollability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the protective structure by dividing it into a side seal member that specifically protects the edges and a separate polarizer film that maintains optical functionality. This segmentation allows the side seal member to focus on mechanical protection without interfering with the optical properties, resolving the contradiction between edge durability and display performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-generated harmful factors

If a side seal member is added to prevent light leakage, then light leakage is reduced, but the polarizer film may become loose or detached

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight leakageVSAvoidpolarizer film adhesion

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by designing the side seal member to specifically target the edge regions where light leakage occurs, while maintaining a distinct separation from the polarizer film. The side seal member has localized protective function at the edges, while the polarizer film maintains its optical function on the display surface, preventing interference and adhesion issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If the display panel is rolled, then the display device achieves compact storage and portability, but portions of the panel rub against each other causing scratches

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage compactnessVSAvoidfriction-induced scratches

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by positioning the side seal member to extend beyond the display panel edges in the rolling direction. This creates a protective buffer zone that prevents direct contact and friction between adjacent portions of the display panel during rolling, thereby preventing scratches while enabling compact storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the display panel is made ultrathin, then the display device achieves flexibility and rollability, but repair necessity increases due to edge damage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidrepair frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing the side seal member as a preventive protective structure that reduces edge damage before it occurs. This minimizes the frequency of repairs needed for ultrathin display panels, maintaining flexibility while reducing repair necessity through proactive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS10684652B2Flexible display device

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A flexible display device. A plurality of back bars are attached to a rear surface of a display panel and a side cap coupled to the back bars while covering an edge of the display panel. A portion of a front surface of the display is provided adjacent to the edge. The flexible display device prevents edges of the display panel from being damaged, light from leaking through the edges, and the display panel from being scratched or damaged by friction during rolling of the display panel. The edges of an ultrathin display panel are protected from external impacts so that the edges are not damaged, and light leakage on the edges of the display panel is prevented. The display panel is prevented from being scratched or damaged while being rolled.