Foldable Display Panel Layer Structure for Smaller Bend Radius

Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices face challenges in reducing the radius of curvature when bent due to the thickness of the panel bottom member, which affects the flexibility and bezel area.

Innovation Solution

The display device is designed with a layered structure that includes a cover panel layer, a cushion layer, a heat sink layer, and a release film layer, with varying thicknesses and configurations in different areas to reduce the overall thickness and curvature radius.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the panel bottom member is made thicker to provide structural support and protection, then strength and reliability are improved, but the radius of curvature when bent increases and flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The panel bottom member is divided into multiple functional layers including a first support layer, a second support layer, and a cushion layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions (structural support, thickness reduction, shock absorption) while collectively providing both strength and flexibility for bending applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel bottom member uses a composite structure combining rigid support layers with a cushion layer. This composite design provides both the structural strength needed for support and the flexibility required for bending, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the panel bottom member is made thinner to reduce radius of curvature and improve flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but strength and protection capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The panel bottom member is divided into multiple functional layers including a first support layer, a second support layer, and a cushion layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions (structural support, thickness reduction, shock absorption) while collectively providing both strength and flexibility for bending applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel bottom member uses a composite structure combining rigid support layers with a cushion layer. This composite design provides both the structural strength needed for support and the flexibility required for bending, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If the panel bottom member is made thicker to provide protection from heat and external impact, then reliability is improved, but the radius of curvature when bent increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidradius of curvature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The panel bottom member is divided into multiple functional layers including a first support layer, a second support layer, and a cushion layer. This segmentation allows each layer to perform specific functions (structural support, thickness reduction, shock absorption) while collectively providing both strength and flexibility for bending applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel bottom member uses a composite structure combining rigid support layers with a cushion layer. This composite design provides both the structural strength needed for support and the flexibility required for bending, resolving the contradiction between strength and adaptability

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 design effectively reduces the thickness of the panel bottom member and curvature radius, enhancing flexibility and minimizing the bezel area, thereby improving the display device's bending capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

a heat sink layer located on the cushion layer and disposed in the first area and the second area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a release film layer disposed between the cushion layer and the heat sink layer in the first area but not in the second area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS12513873B2Display device

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a first area, a bending area, and a second area disposed between the first area and the bending area, a display panel disposed in the first area, the bending area, and the second area, and a cover panel layer disposed on a surface of the display panel. The cover panel layer includes a light-blocking layer disposed on the surface of the display panel in the first area and the second area, a cushion layer disposed on the light-blocking layer in the first area and the second area, a heat sink layer disposed on the cushion layer in the first area and the second area, and a release film layer disposed between the cushion layer and the heat sink layer in the first area but not in the second area.