Flexible Support Structure for Display Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display panels lack sufficient support and tend to distort when unfolded, affecting image quality and user interaction due to lack of reliable support structures, especially in windable flexible display devices.
Innovation Solution
A flexible support structure with a suction layer featuring microstructures that create vacuum suction to uniformly adhere to the display panel, enhancing flatness and support, combined with a mesh plate layer for strength and flexibility, and a roller system for controlled adhesion and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a flexible display panel is made thin and lightweight for portability, then weight and size are reduced, but structural support and flatness when unfolded deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible support structure with suction layer acts as an intermediary between the lightweight flexible display panel and the housing. The suction layer adheres to the display panel surface, providing distributed structural support without adding significant weight, enabling the panel to maintain flatness when unfolded while preserving portability
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure uses a flexible suction layer made of thin film material that can conform to the display panel surface. This thin film provides necessary structural support while maintaining flexibility and not significantly increasing the overall weight of the portable device
2Shape
If a rigid support structure is added to maintain flatness when unfolded, then shape stability is improved, but flexibility and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The suction layer is constructed from flexible thin film material that can adapt to both the wound and unfolded states of the display panel. When wound, it flexes with the panel; when unfolded, it provides flatting support through suction adhesion, thus maintaining shape stability without sacrificing flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions dynamically between two functional states: in the wound state, the flexible support structure conforms to the curved surface; in the unfolded state, the suction layer activates to provide flatting support. This dynamic adaptation allows the structure to maintain flexibility while providing shape stability when needed
3Strength
If adhesive materials are used to bond the flexible display panel to the housing, then bonding strength is improved, but residue and damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a physical bonding mechanism (vacuum suction). The suction layer creates negative pressure to adhere to the display panel surface, providing bonding strength without leaving residue or requiring harsh chemicals that could damage the flexible panel
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes pneumatic pressure (vacuum suction) to bond the flexible display panel to the housing. By creating a pressure differential through the suction layer, strong adhesion is achieved without the need for adhesive materials, eliminating residue and damage risks associated with chemical bonding
4Strength
If the suction layer is made thick for better adhesion, then bonding strength is improved, but flexibility and device thickness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suction layer is constructed as a thin film with integrated micro suction cup structures. Despite its thinness, it achieves effective adhesion through the distributed suction force from numerous micro structures, maintaining both flexibility and bonding strength without increasing device thickness
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 ensures the flexible display panel remains flat and stable during use, improving image clarity and user interaction while minimizing damage risks through controlled suction forces.
Implementation Method 1
a suction layer disposed on the substrate layer, wherein the suction layer comprises a base and a plurality of suction cup microstructures protruding from the base
Data Source
Figure 1~2C
Figure 2D~2G
Figure 2H~4
AI summary
The disclosure provides a flexible support structure and a flexible display device. The flexible support structure is for supporting and sucking a flexible display panel when the flexible display panel is unfolded. The flexible support structure comprises a substrate layer and a suction layer disposed on the substrate layer, the suction layer comprises a base and a plurality of suction cup microstructures protruding from the base in a direction away from the substrate layer, each suction cup microstructure has a concave portion concaving toward the substrate layer at an end away from the base.