Flexible Substrate With Patterned Bending Resistant Structures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible displays require improved bending resistance and recovery capabilities in their substrates to enhance performance and lifespan, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A flexible substrate comprising a first flexible layer, a barrier layer with a first bending resistant structure, a second flexible layer, and a buffer layer with a second bending resistant structure, where both structures are patterned and vertically aligned with the substrate's bending line, and are buried within the barrier and buffer layers respectively, utilizing chemical vapor deposition and etching processes to achieve optimal thickness and positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional flexible substrates are used, then the substrate maintains flexibility, but the bending resistance and recovery ability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebending resistanceVSAvoidsubstrate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate is divided into multiple functional layers including first and second flexible layers, barrier layers, buffer layers, and bending resistant structures. Each layer serves a specific function, with the bending resistant structures providing mechanical support while the flexible layers maintain flexibility. This segmentation allows the substrate to achieve both flexibility and bending resistance through coordinated layer functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate employs a composite structure combining materials with different mechanical properties. The flexible layers provide elasticity and flexibility, while the bending resistant structures provide mechanical strength and recovery ability. The barrier and buffer layers add protective functions. This composite approach enables the substrate to simultaneously achieve flexibility, bending resistance, and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the substrate structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but bending resistance and recovery ability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecovery abilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bending resistant structures are pre-formed within the barrier and buffer layers before final assembly. The barrier layers and buffer layers are deposited with predetermined thicknesses (400-600nm) to ensure proper mechanical support. This preliminary formation of structural elements during manufacturing ensures the substrate achieves the required recovery ability while maintaining a streamlined production process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes specific parameters such as layer thicknesses (barrier layer: 400-600nm, buffer layer: 400-600nm, bending resistant structure: 100-150nm) and distances between structures (150-250nm from flexible layer, 200-450nm from opposite side) to achieve the desired balance between manufacturing ease and mechanical performance. These parameter optimizations ensure reliable recovery ability without overly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution significantly enhances the bending resistance and recovery ability of the flexible substrate, allowing it to withstand repeated bending of over 200,000 times, thereby improving the durability and longevity of flexible displays.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing chemical vapor deposition and etching processes to achieve optimal thickness and positioning

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical vapor deposition: Chemical Vapour Deposition

Implementation Method 2

etching the first bending resistant layer to form a first bending resistant structure; etching the second bending resistant layer to form a second bending resistant structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEtching:

Data Source

PatentUS11042092B2Flexible substrate and manufacturing method of same
Publication Date: 2021.06.22 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
  • US11042092B2 patent drawing
  • US11042092B2 patent drawing
  • US11042092B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present application provides a flexible substrate and a manufacturing method of the flexible substrate. The flexible substrate includes a first flexible layer, a barrier layer, a second flexible layer, and a buffer layer. The barrier layer is disposed on a surface of the first flexible layer, the barrier layer includes a first bending resistant structure disposed therein, the second flexible layer is disposed on a surface of the barrier layer, the buffer layer is disposed on a surface of the second flexible layer, and the buffer layer includes a second bending resistant structure disposed therein.