Flexible OLED Display Bezel Minimization via Insert Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays face challenges in minimizing the bezel size due to mechanical stress and the tendency of bent portions to return to their original shape, which can cause separation from mounting structures and damage to components.
Innovation Solution
A flexible OLED display configuration with a bent substrate and support films, where an insert member with a rounded end is placed between the support films to reduce mechanical stress and maintain the desired curvature, allowing the bezel size to be minimized without excess strain on the substrate or components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If support films are disposed on the inner side of the flexible substrate to maintain structural integrity, then the substrate can be supported during manufacturing and assembly, but larger force is required to bend the substrate to the desired curvature, resulting in excess mechanical stress to the bent portion and potential damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
The support film is divided into a first support film and a second support film that are spaced apart from each other, creating a gap at the bent portion. This segmentation allows the substrate to bend freely in the gap region while still receiving support from the support films in the flat regions, thereby reducing mechanical stress at the bent portion while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support film is extracted or removed from the bent portion of the flexible substrate, creating a support-free zone. This allows the substrate to be bent to the desired curvature without the resistance and stress that would be generated by a continuous support film, while support films remain in other areas to provide necessary structural support.
2Area of stationary object
If the flexible substrate is bent to minimize bezel size, then the display area is maximized without increasing overall device size, but the bent portion tends to return to its original flat shape, causing separation from mounting structures and potential damage to components
Solution Approach 1:
An insert member with a rounded end is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second support films. The rounded end of the insert member fits into the bent portion of the flexible substrate, providing mechanical support to maintain the desired curvature and prevent the substrate from returning to its original flat shape, thereby ensuring stability and preventing separation from mounting structures.
3Strength
If a continuous support film is used on the flexible substrate, then structural support is provided across the entire substrate, but the bent portion cannot be curved inwardly without generating excess mechanical stress and potential cracking of wires and insulation layers
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous support film is segmented into a first support film and a second support film with a gap between them at the bent portion. This segmentation allows the substrate to be bent inwardly in the gap region without the constraint of a continuous support film, making the manufacturing process easier while still providing structural support from the segmented support films in the flat regions.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure can significantly reduce the non-display area of a flexible OLED display, which would otherwise be covered by a cosmetic trim such as a bezel or an opaque. As such, an electronic device with a display having minimized border area can be provided. This makes it possible to reduce the overall size of the electronic device without sacrificing the size of the display therein. Such a reduction in size of the bezel was achieved by bending the flexible substrate near its edge using an insert member.