Foldable Display Layer Structure for Crack-Resistant Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display apparatuses experience defects such as cracks due to compression and tensile stress from repeated bending in the folding area, which affects their structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus design featuring a folding area with inflection points and symmetrical empty spaces between layers, including a first layer with a space portion and a second layer with greater rigidity, to absorb stress and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable display apparatus is designed to be bent and folded repeatedly, then the adaptability and functionality of the device are improved, but compression and tensile stress occur in the folding area which causes cracks and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushion layer positioned between the display panel and the back cover, specifically at the folding area. This cushion layer absorbs compression stress that occurs when the display apparatus is folded, preventing the stress from reaching critical levels that would cause cracks in the display panel or other components. The cushioning effect is established in advance before any damage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different structural properties to different areas of the display apparatus. The cushion layer is specifically positioned at the folding area where stress concentration occurs, while other areas maintain their original structural characteristics. This localized approach allows the folding area to have enhanced stress absorption capabilities without compromising the overall structural integrity or adding unnecessary weight to the entire device.
2Reliability
If protective measures are added to prevent cracks in the folding area, then reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion layer is implemented as a thin, flexible film or layer that can be integrated into the existing multi-layer structure of the foldable display apparatus. This thin-film approach provides the necessary cushioning function without significantly increasing the overall thickness or complexity of the device. The flexible nature of the cushion layer allows it to conform to the folding motion without creating additional mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a display module having a folding area and inflection areas respectively on both sides of the folding area in a first direction, a first layer on a surface of the display module opposite to a display surface thereof, and a second layer on a surface of the first layer opposite to the display module. An empty space is defined between the display module and the second layer in a thickness direction in the inflection area.