Flexible Display Touch Sensor Actuator Rigidity Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices with touch sensors face deformation issues when touched, leading to inaccurate coordinate detection, and adding thickness or support plates compromises their flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A laminated structure of two polymer actuators is attached to the rear surface of the display panel, with opposite bending directions when voltage is applied, providing rigidity during touch operations while maintaining flexibility in normal conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the display device is made thicker or a support plate is attached to suppress deformation, then the deformation is suppressed, but the flexibility of the display device is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a polymer actuator that can dynamically change its rigidity based on applied voltage. When voltage is applied during touch sensor operation, the actuator becomes rigid to suppress deformation. When voltage is not applied during normal display operation, the actuator remains flexible. This dynamic property resolves the contradiction by making the rigidity adjustable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the polymer actuator by applying voltage. The actuator transitions from a flexible state (no voltage) to a rigid state (voltage applied). This parameter change allows the display device to adapt its mechanical properties based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between deformation suppression and flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If the display device is made thicker or a support plate is attached to suppress deformation, then the deformation is suppressed, but the flexibility is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer actuator dynamically adjusts the display device's rigidity based on operational mode. During touch sensor operation, the actuator becomes rigid to ensure accurate touch detection by preventing display deformation. During normal display operation, the actuator remains flexible to maintain the device's bendable characteristics. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the polymer actuator in advance by applying voltage before touch sensor operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the display device is already in a rigid state when touch detection is needed, preventing deformation and ensuring accurate coordinate detection without permanently compromising flexibility.
3Reliability
If the display device is made thicker or a support plate is attached to suppress deformation, then the deformation is suppressed, but the flexibility is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer actuator provides dynamic rigidity control that enhances touch sensor operability only when needed. By becoming rigid during touch sensor operation, the actuator ensures reliable coordinate detection. By remaining flexible during normal operation, it maintains the display device's adaptability. This resolves the contradiction between reliability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the mechanical parameter of the polymer actuator from flexible to rigid by applying voltage during touch sensor operation. This parameter change ensures reliable touch sensor performance without permanently sacrificing the display device's flexibility, resolving the contradiction between operability and adaptability.
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
This solution enhances the operability of touch sensors by ensuring precise touch detection without compromising the display's flexibility, allowing for improved usability and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer actuator can be driven by 5 V or less... the first actuator itself can bend when voltage is applied, the second actuator itself can bend when voltage is applied
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to realize a flexible display device with a touch sensor that flexibility is maintained in a normal operation as a display; however, rigidity is added to the display device when the touch sensor is used. The representative structure of the invention is, a display device comprising: a touch sensor and a display panel, wherein a laminated body of a first actuator and a second actuator is adhered to the rear surface of the display panel, the first actuator itself can bend when voltage is applied, the second actuator itself can bend when voltage is applied.