Foldable Display Barrier Layer Modulus Gradient

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foldable display devices face reliability issues due to buckling phenomena occurring at the edges of openings in the support plate when the device is folded, which affects the structural integrity and longevity of the display.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a barrier layer with distinct parts having different moduli, where the first part with a lower modulus reduces repulsive forces and the second part with a higher modulus prevents buckling, is integrated under the display layer and support plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a uniform barrier layer is used under the display layer, then the manufacturing process is simple, but buckling phenomena occur at the edges of openings in the support plate during folding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidbarrier layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer is divided into multiple parts with different moduli: a first part with lower modulus positioned at the edges of openings to reduce repulsive forces, and a second part with higher modulus in the center to prevent buckling. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the buckling issue without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier layer employs a composite structure combining materials with different moduli in specific regions. The first part uses a softer material to accommodate folding stresses, while the second part uses a stiffer material to maintain structural stability, creating a composite barrier layer that addresses both flexibility and rigidity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the barrier layer has high modulus throughout, then buckling is prevented, but repulsive forces increase during folding operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebuckling preventionVSAvoidrepulsive force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer is divided into multiple parts with different moduli: a first part with lower modulus positioned at the edges of openings to reduce repulsive forces, and a second part with higher modulus in the center to prevent buckling. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the buckling issue without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Force

If the barrier layer has low modulus throughout, then repulsive forces are reduced, but buckling phenomena occur during folding

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepulsive forceVSAvoidbuckling resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer is divided into multiple parts with different moduli: a first part with lower modulus positioned at the edges of openings to reduce repulsive forces, and a second part with higher modulus in the center to prevent buckling. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the buckling issue without requiring complete structural redesign.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier layer employs a composite structure combining materials with different moduli in specific regions. The first part uses a softer material to accommodate folding stresses, while the second part uses a stiffer material to maintain structural stability, creating a composite barrier layer that addresses both flexibility and rigidity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This configuration enhances the reliability and extends the lifespan of the foldable display device by effectively preventing buckling and maintaining structural integrity during folding and unfolding operations.

Implementation Method 1

the barrier layer includes a first part having a first modulus, and a second part adjacent to the first part and having a second modulus different from the first modulus. The second modulus may be greater than the first modulus.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250040063A1Display device
Publication Date: 2025.01.30 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20250040063A1 patent drawing
  • US20250040063A1 patent drawing
  • US20250040063A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes: a display layer including a plurality of non-folding areas and a folding area disposed between the plurality of non-folding areas; a barrier layer disposed under the display layer; and a support plate disposed under the barrier layer, where the barrier layer includes: a first part having a first modulus, and a second part adjacent to the first part and having a second modulus different from the first modulus.