Flexible OLED Display Bezel Minimization via Insert Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional 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 lead to 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 area to be minimized without excess strain on the substrate or circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the flexible substrate is bent to minimize bezel area, then the display area is maximized, but mechanical stress increases and the bent portion tends to return to its original shape
Solution Approach 1:
A support film is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible substrate and the external environment. This support film reinforces the bent portion of the flexible substrate, preventing it from returning to its original flat shape while reducing the mechanical stress on the substrate and circuitry during the bending process.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible substrate is pre-bent to the desired curvature before final assembly. By preliminarily forming the bent shape and then providing support through the support film, the structure is locked into the desired configuration, preventing shape reversal while maintaining the minimized bezel area.
2Shape
If the flexible substrate is bent to reduce bezel size, then the form factor is improved, but the circuitry and substrate may be damaged due to excess strain
Solution Approach 1:
The support film acts as a mediator that distributes and reduces the mechanical strain on the flexible substrate and circuitry during bending. By providing external support, the support film prevents excessive stress concentration that could damage the substrate or circuitry while still achieving the desired bent shape for minimized bezel size.
3Reliability
If support films are disposed continuously on the flexible substrate, then the substrate is well-supported, but the bent portion cannot be properly curved and mechanical stress increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support film is segmented rather than continuous, with specific portions positioned to support the bent area while leaving other areas free to curve. This segmentation allows the flexible substrate to be properly curved at the bent portion while still receiving support where needed, reducing mechanical stress compared to a continuous support film configuration.
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 configuration effectively reduces the bezel size while minimizing mechanical stress and maintaining the desired curvature, preventing damage to the flexible substrate and circuitry, and ensuring the bent portion remains securely attached.
Implementation Method 1
an array of light-emitting diodes such as organic light-emitting diodes may form a planar active display area on a flexible substrate
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5a
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.