Flexible Display FPCB Stress Buffering Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flexible display apparatuses face reliability issues due to damage caused by the flexing of the printed circuit board (FPCB) when connected to external circuits, leading to electrical and structural damage.

Innovation Solution

The flexible display apparatus incorporates a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) with a first portion having a smaller bending modulus than the second portion, acting as a stress buffer, and a frame assembly with a locating unit to prevent pulling forces between the FPCB and the peripheral circuit, thereby enhancing reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the FPCB is made flexible to enable connection with outside circuit, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage from flexing and pulling forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of connectionVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The FPCB is divided into a first portion (thinner, more flexible) and a second portion (thicker, less flexible). The first portion is positioned at the bending side when the FPCB is flexed, allowing it to absorb flexing forces without damaging the peripheral circuit, while the second portion maintains structural integrity for reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the FPCB are given different thicknesses and flexural rigidities to suit their specific functions. The first portion has lower flexural rigidity (thinner) to accommodate flexing, while the second portion has higher flexural rigidity (thicker) to ensure stable electrical connection and resist pulling forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Weight of moving object

If the FPCB is made thinner to reduce weight and thickness, then weight and thickness are reduced, but strength deteriorates making it more susceptible to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveFPCB weightVSAvoidFPCB strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The FPCB is segmented into different thickness portions: the first portion is made thinner (0.03-0.1mm) to reduce overall weight and maintain flexibility, while the second portion is made thicker (0.1-0.15mm) to provide necessary strength and resistance to pulling forces at the connection interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The FPCB employs non-uniform thickness distribution, with the thinner first portion located where flexibility is needed and the thicker second portion located where strength is needed for connection stability, optimizing both weight reduction and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the FPCB is made more flexible to improve adaptability, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to damage from pulling forces

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The FPCB is divided into a flexible first portion and a more rigid second portion. The first portion can be flexed to adapt to different mounting configurations and bending requirements, while the second portion maintains sufficient rigidity to resist pulling forces and ensure reliable electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the FPCB are assigned different flexural rigidities: the first portion has lower flexural rigidity to enable adaptability and flexing, while the second portion has higher flexural rigidity to provide stability and resistance to pulling forces at the connection interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8305514B2Flexible display apparatus
Publication Date: 2012.11.06 E INK HLDG INC
  • US8305514B2 patent drawing
  • US8305514B2 patent drawing
  • US8305514B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A flexible display apparatus includes a flexible display panel and a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). The flexible display panel includes a display body and a peripheral circuit. The peripheral circuit is adjacent to the display body, and the FPCB is connected to the peripheral circuit. The FPCB includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is connected between the peripheral circuit and the second portion. Bending modulus of the first portion is lower than that of the second portion. The flexible display apparatus has better reliability. Another flexible display apparatus is also provided.