Flexible Printed Circuit Board Stress Distribution in Bendable Displays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display apparatuses face durability issues due to stress applied to flexible printed circuit boards when bent, which can lead to deformation and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

The display apparatus incorporates a curved accommodation member with a greater rigidity than the display panel, where the printed circuit boards are fixed to the rear surface of this member, and flexible printed circuit boards connect the display panel to the printed circuit boards, distributing stress and minimizing deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flexible printed circuit boards are used to connect the display panel and printed circuit boards, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but stress concentration and deformation occur during bending, reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of circuit boardVSAvoiddurability of flexible printed circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit board system is segmented into rigid printed circuit boards and flexible printed circuit boards with different functions. The rigid PCBs provide structural support and mounting surfaces, while the flexible PCBs provide electrical connections and accommodate bending. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible printed circuit board acts as an intermediary element between the rigid display panel and the rigid printed circuit boards. It absorbs and distributes the stress generated during bending, preventing direct transmission of stress to the rigid components. This intermediary role allows the system to maintain both flexibility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If printed circuit boards are fixed close to the display panel, then device complexity is reduced, but stress on flexible circuit boards increases during bending

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of componentsVSAvoidstress on flexible printed circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The printed circuit boards are arranged in a specific spatial configuration relative to the display panel, utilizing the third dimension (depth/distance) to optimize stress distribution. By positioning the PCBs at an optimal distance and angle, the design reduces stress on the flexible connections while maintaining compact overall device structure, effectively managing the trade-off between complexity and stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the display module is bent to fit curved surfaces, then adaptability to different display surfaces is improved, but stress concentration occurs on the circuit boards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with curved surfacesVSAvoidstructural integrity of circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible printed circuit boards are designed as thin, flexible films that can conform to curved surfaces without compromising their structural integrity. These flexible PCBs maintain electrical connectivity while adapting to the curvature of the display surface, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for changes in the geometric parameters of the circuit board assembly, including the bending radius, distance between components, and orientation of PCBs. By optimizing these parameters, the system can adapt to different curvature requirements while maintaining the structural strength and reliability of the circuit board connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3591464B1Display apparatus and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2023.08.02 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3591464B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3591464B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3591464B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A display apparatus includes a display panel bendable in a bending direction about a bending axis, pad units disposed on one side of the display panel and arranged in the bendable direction, printed circuit boards disposed below the display panel, and flexible printed circuit boards configured to connect the display panel to the printed circuit boards. The printed circuit boards are bendable in the bending direction about the bending axis, are arranged in the bendable direction, and extend in the bendable direction. Each of the flexible printed circuit boards has a first end connected to the display panel and a second end connected to one of the printed circuit boards. A second distance between the second ends of two of the flexible printed circuit boards respectively connected to two adjacent printed circuit boards is greater than a first distance between the first ends of the two flexible printed circuit boards.