Flexible Substrate Neutral Plane Barrier for Moisture Infiltration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible substrates used in display apparatuses face challenges in preventing infiltration of outside air, such as moisture and oxygen, which can lead to degradation and cracking when bent, compromising their mechanical flexibility and thermal resistance.
Innovation Solution
A flexible substrate is designed with a first barrier region containing a high concentration of inorganic material at the neutral plane of the polymer substrate, which blocks the infiltration path while maintaining flexibility by varying the thickness and distribution of the inorganic material, and a second barrier region may be added near the surface to further enhance protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible substrate is made with polymer organic materials to achieve mechanical flexibility, then the substrate can be bent and folded, but the substrate becomes vulnerable to infiltration of outside air (moisture and oxygen) leading to degradation and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer organic materials with inorganic barrier materials to create a flexible substrate that maintains both flexibility and resistance to outside air infiltration. The inorganic material is introduced into the polymer substrate to form a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both material types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a barrier region with higher concentration of inorganic material at specific locations within the polymer substrate. The concentration of inorganic material varies spatially, with the barrier region having a higher concentration than the top and bottom regions, providing localized protection against infiltration while maintaining overall flexibility.
2Reliability
If the concentration of inorganic material is increased to block infiltration paths, then protection against moisture and oxygen improves, but the mechanical flexibility and thermal resistance of the substrate deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a barrier region with higher concentration of inorganic material at specific locations within the polymer substrate. The concentration of inorganic material varies spatially, with the barrier region having a higher concentration than the top and bottom regions, providing localized protection against infiltration while maintaining overall flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the concentration distribution of inorganic material within the polymer substrate. The concentration is optimized to provide sufficient barrier protection while maintaining the mechanical flexibility and thermal resistance of the substrate. The inorganic material concentration ranges and barrier region thickness are carefully controlled to balance protection and flexibility.
3Reliability
If a barrier region with high concentration of inorganic material is formed at the neutral plane, then infiltration paths are blocked, but the substrate thickness and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the substrate into distinct regions: a top region, a barrier region with high inorganic material concentration at the neutral plane, and a bottom region. This segmentation allows the barrier region to be optimized for infiltration protection while the top and bottom regions maintain flexibility, managing complexity through functional zonation.
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 effectively reduces or prevents the infiltration of moisture and oxygen, minimizing the likelihood of cracking and maintaining the substrate's flexibility and thermal resistance, even when bent, thus enhancing the durability and performance of the display apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
a first barrier region (103) with at least a portion of the first barrier region (103) being on a neutral plane (NP) of the polymer substrate (101), wherein a first inorganic material (51) fills at least a portion of a free volume (50) of the polymer substrate (101)
Implementation Method 2
The flexible substrate may include one or more polymer organic materials having relatively high mechanical flexibility and thermal resistance
Implementation Method 3
The flexible substrate may include one or more polymer organic materials having relatively high mechanical flexibility and thermal resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
A flexible substrate (100) includes a polymer substrate (101). At least a portion of a first barrier region (103) is formed on a neutral plane (NP) of the polymer substrate. A top region (101a) is formed above the first barrier region. A bottom region (101b) is formed below the first barrier region. The first barrier region includes a first inorganic material (51) disposed in at least a portion of a free volume (50) of the polymer substrate. A density of the first inorganic material in the first barrier region is greater than a density of the first inorganic material in the top or bottom regions.