Flexible Support Layer Snap-Fit Connection for Rollable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rollable flexible display devices face issues with the detachment of the flexible support layer from the housing due to the large elastic modulus and fitting curvature, leading to reduced production yield and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display device design incorporating a snap-fit structure and elastic elements, where the flexible support layer is connected to the housing via a first adhesive layer and snap-fit structures in the curved region, and an elastic element applies a pulling force to expand or contract the display region as the roller moves, preventing detachment and improving yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flexible support layer is connected to the housing using only adhesive bonding, then the connection is simple, but the flexible support layer detaches from the housing due to large elastic modulus and fitting curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines adhesive bonding and snap-fit mechanical connection into a hybrid connection system. The adhesive layer provides baseline bonding while the snap-fit structure (with fixing columns and corresponding cavities) provides mechanical interlocking, together preventing detachment of the flexible support layer from the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional elements: adhesive bonding for chemical connection and snap-fit structures for mechanical connection. The snap-fit structure itself is segmented into fixing columns on the housing and corresponding cavities in the flexible support layer, distributing the connection function across multiple discrete elements.
2Strength
If the flexible support layer is made with high elastic modulus for structural stability, then the support strength is improved, but the detachment issue worsens due to mismatch with housing curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible support layer has different thicknesses at different locations: thinner in the curved region to accommodate the housing curvature and thicker in the non-curved region for structural strength. This local variation in geometry allows the high elastic modulus material to be used effectively without causing detachment at the curved interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing and flexible support layer are designed with curved surfaces that match each other's geometry. The curved region of the flexible support layer conforms to the curved housing surface, and the snap-fit structures are positioned to engage along this curved interface, preventing detachment while maintaining the high elastic modulus for strength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the display region is made fixed in size, then the structure is simple, but the rollable function is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The display region transitions from a fixed size to a dynamic, variable size through the rollable mechanism. The elastic element enables the display region to expand when unrolled and contract when rolled up, providing adaptability in display area while using a relatively simple elastic mechanical system.
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 prevents the detachment of the flexible support layer from the housing, enhancing the production yield and reducing production costs by ensuring a secure connection through the snap-fit and adhesive mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element connected to the housing and the other end of the flexible support layer for applying a pulling force to the flexible support layer to make a display region of the flexible display screen expand or contract as a roller moves
Implementation Method 2
one end of the flexible support layer covering the support surface and being connected to the support surface via a first adhesive layer
Implementation Method 3
the flexible support layer is further connected to the support surface via a snap-fit structure located in the curved region
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible display device is provided, including: a housing including a support surface, one end of the support surface being bent to form an curved region; a flexible display screen at least partially covering the support surface; and a flexible support layer arranged between the flexible display screen and the support surface for supporting the flexible display screen, one end of the flexible support layer covering the support surface and being connected to the support surface via a first adhesive layer, where the flexible support layer is further connected to the curved region via a snap-fit structure.