Foldable Display Crack Prevention Layer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display apparatuses are prone to cracking and damage due to repeated stress around the folding axis, leading to operational failures.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display apparatus with a crack prevention layer comprising thin film pattern portions along the folding axis, which can be either organic, inorganic, or a multi-layer structure of both, to absorb stress and prevent crack propagation, and auxiliary thin film pattern portions in a perpendicular direction to further enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a foldable display apparatus is repeatedly folded and unfolded for portability, then convenience of operation is improved, but cracks appear around the folding axis due to repeated stress
Solution Approach 1:
The crack prevention layer is divided into multiple thin film pattern portions arranged at predetermined intervals along the folding axis. This segmentation allows the layer to flex during folding while maintaining structural integrity, preventing crack propagation through the display panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The crack prevention layer uses a multi-layer structure combining organic and inorganic layers. The organic layer provides flexibility to accommodate repeated folding, while the inorganic layer provides crack resistance, creating a composite material that solves both portability and durability requirements.
2Reliability
If a crack prevention layer is added to prevent cracks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crack prevention layer is applied locally at the folding axis where cracks are most likely to occur, rather than covering the entire display panel. The thin film pattern portions are positioned strategically to provide maximum crack prevention with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The crack prevention layer uses thin film structures that are flexible by nature, allowing them to integrate with the foldable display without adding significant rigidity or complexity. The thin film pattern portions can bend with the display while maintaining their crack prevention function.
3Ease of operation
If thin film pattern portions are spaced apart to allow flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but crack prevention effectiveness may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film pattern portions are arranged at periodic intervals along the folding axis. This periodic arrangement creates a rhythm of reinforcement that effectively stops crack propagation while allowing the spaces between patterns to flex during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than providing continuous coverage that would restrict flexibility, the crack prevention layer applies partial coverage at critical locations where cracks are most likely to initiate and propagate. This partial action is sufficient to prevent damage while maintaining folding flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a foldable display apparatus in which a crack prevention layer is disposed on a surface of a display panel. The crack prevention layer includes thin film pattern portions disposed along a folding axis of the foldable display apparatus.