Foldable Cover Window Structure for Thin Glass Impact Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thin glass used in foldable display devices is vulnerable to impact due to its thin thickness and tapered structure, posing manufacturing challenges and risk of damage.
Innovation Solution
A cover window design incorporating a glass layer and a protective layer, with a protective layer surrounding at least part of the glass layer, including a first part that overlaps and a second part that does not overlap the glass layer, and a protective layer that defines the edge of the cover window, and a protective layer that includes a first part that overlaps the glass layer and a second part that does not, with adhesive layers and a protective film, and optionally a light blocking layer and coating layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thin glass is used in foldable display devices to achieve flexibility and compact folding, then the device can be folded and carried compactly, but the glass becomes vulnerable to impact due to its thin thickness and tapered structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining thin glass with a protective layer made of fiber-reinforced plastic (glass fibers embedded in resin). This composite structure provides both the flexibility needed for folding and the impact resistance required for durability. The glass layer maintains thinness for flexibility while the fiber-reinforced plastic layer provides structural strength and protection against impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the glass layer inside the protective layer, creating a layered structure where the protective layer surrounds and protects the glass layer. This nested configuration allows the thin glass to be protected from impact while maintaining its flexibility and foldability characteristics.
2Reliability
If a protective layer is added to protect the glass layer from impact, then impact resistance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protective layer with the glass layer into an integrated assembly that can be manufactured as a single unit. The protective layer is formed to match the shape and size of the glass layer, allowing both components to be produced together through coordinated manufacturing processes, thereby reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the additional protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the protective layer slightly thicker at the periphery than at the center, providing enhanced protection where needed while maintaining simplicity in the overall structure. This localized variation in thickness provides impact resistance without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
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 design enhances impact resistance and simplifies manufacturing by integrating the glass layer with other materials, reducing damage risk and improving process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first adhesive layer between the display panel and the glass layer, and a second adhesive layer between the glass layer and the protective layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a display panel, and a cover window on the display panel, wherein the cover window includes a glass layer and a protective layer surrounding at least a part of the glass layer, and the protective layer includes a first part that overlaps the glass layer and a second part that does not overlap the glass layer, and the second part defines at least one edge of the cover window.