Deformation-Resistant Flexible Display Support Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic devices with flexible displays face challenges in resisting deformation-induced damage from contact by fingers, styluses, or other external objects, which can lead to localized deformation and potential cracking of thin-film circuitry.
Innovation Solution
A foldable electronic device design featuring a flexible display panel supported by a stiff display support plate, utilizing thermoplastic polymer bonding or polymer adhesive bonding to attach the substrate to the support plate, while minimizing soft material between them to prevent unwanted deformation, and incorporating flexibility enhancement openings in the support plate to allow bending without excessive strain on the thin-film circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible display panel is used to enable folding, then adaptability is improved, but the display becomes susceptible to deformation-induced damage from external pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible substrate with thin-film display circuitry that can bend around a bend axis, enabling the display to fold while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible substrate acts as a protective carrier that accommodates bending stresses without causing damage to the circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
A display support plate is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible substrate and external pressure sources. This support plate provides mechanical reinforcement and distributes applied pressures, preventing localized deformation that could damage the thin-film circuitry while allowing the display to maintain its flexible, foldable nature.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If soft material is used between the substrate and support plate to cushion pressure, then resistance to external pressure is improved, but localized deformation of thin-film circuitry occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties in different regions: the display support plate uses stiff material to prevent deformation, while the bonding interface uses minimal soft material only where necessary for attachment. This localized differentiation allows pressure resistance without compromising circuitry integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent minimizes the thickness and amount of soft bonding material used between the substrate and support plate. By reducing the parameter of soft material quantity to the minimum necessary for bonding, the system achieves adequate pressure resistance while preventing the localized deformation that would occur with excessive soft material.
3Ease of manufacture
If excessive soft material is used between substrate and support plate, then ease of bonding is improved, but undesired localized deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses minimal (rather than excessive) soft bonding material - just enough to achieve adequate bonding strength. This partial action approach provides sufficient ease of manufacture through bonding while avoiding the harmful effect of excessive soft material that would cause localized deformation of the circuitry.
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 effectively prevents deformation and damage to the display panel, ensuring the device remains functional and durable during folding and use, maintaining image quality and user interaction without cracking or damage from external pressure.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoplastic polymer bonding, polymer adhesive bonding, and/or other attachment techniques may be used in attaching the display substrate to the display support plate.
Implementation Method 2
Thermoplastic polymer bonding, polymer adhesive bonding, and/or other attachment techniques may be used in attaching the display substrate to the display support plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible display in a foldable electronic device may have a display cover layer and display panel that bend around a bend axis. The display panel may have an array of pixels configured to display an image through the display cover layer. The pixels may be formed from thin-film display circuitry that is supported by a flexible display panel substrate. The flexible substrate may be supported by a display support plate that bends about the bend axis. The display may be configured to allow attachment of the display panel substrate to the display support plate while helping to prevent undesired localized deformation of the thin-film display circuitry.