Flexible Display Shape Memory Polymer Support Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices face issues with space inefficiency and durability in the folding area due to thickness differences and pressure irritation when folded, leading to inconvenience and potential damage from applied forces.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display device incorporating a support panel with a shape memory polymer layer and a driver to adjust its shape based on voltage differences, coupled with a flexible PCB connecting the driver to a driving circuit board, which maintains consistent column heights in the folding area and adjusts shape to support the display panel in both folded and unfolded states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the flexible display device is folded, then the device can be compactly stored, but a space is formed at the outer side of the folding area causing inconvenience and irritating the user's hand
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel dynamically changes its shape between folded and unfolded states. When the display device is folded, the support panel folds along with it; when unfolded, the support panel returns to its original flat state, eliminating the protruding space and ensuring user comfort during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory polymer layer changes its physical state based on temperature or electrical stimulus. When heated or voltage is applied, it transitions from a folded state to an unfolded state, thereby changing the thickness and shape parameters of the support panel to eliminate the space issue.
2Productivity
If the flexible display device is folded repeatedly, then the device is portable, but the durability of the folding area deteriorates under applied pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel is positioned in advance at the folding area to provide protective support before external pressure is applied. This pre-positioned support structure cushions and distributes the stress, preventing damage to the display panel during repeated folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The support panel is constructed using a composite structure including a substrate and a shape memory polymer layer. This composite material provides both mechanical strength for durability and shape adaptability for repeated folding without damage.
3Reliability
If a support panel is added to maintain consistent column heights, then durability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support panel uses a thin film structure with a shape memory polymer layer that can be integrated into the existing display device architecture. This flexible thin film provides the necessary support function without significantly increasing device complexity or thickness.
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 solution ensures stable support and durability of the display panel in the folding area by maintaining consistent column heights and adjusting shape according to the display's state, eliminating unnecessary space and enhancing resistance to user pressure, thereby improving usability and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
a support panel including a shape memory polymer layer and a driver to control a shape of the shape memory polymer layer
Implementation Method 2
a switching thin film transistor to control a column part of the shape memory polymer layer, the shape memory polymer layer is connected to the electrode storage plate and the common electrode which are connected to the drain electrode of the switching thin film transistor
Implementation Method 3
the storage capacitor may be connected to the electrode storage plate through a first storage plate and is connected to the common electrode through a second storage plate to store the voltage corresponding to the difference between the voltage from the switching thin film transistor and the voltage supplied from the common electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible display device includes a flexible display panel to display an image, a support panel including a shape memory polymer layer and a driver to control a shape of the shape memory polymer layer, and a flexible PCB connecting the driver to a driving circuit board. The support panel is coupled to a rear side of the display panel.