Foldable Display Digitizer Strain Reduction via Segmented Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible foldable display devices are prone to damage in the folding area due to strain and stress when folded, which can lead to cracks in the digitizer module components.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a support structure with non-overlapping adhesive layers and cushion layers in the folding area to reduce strain on the digitizer module, featuring a first support plate with openings, a second support plate with sub-plates, and adhesive layers that do not overlap the folding area, along with cushion layers to absorb stress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display device is folded repeatedly to enable flexibility and portability, then the ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but the digitizer module components in the folding area are prone to damage and cracking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoiddigitizer module durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support plate is divided into multiple sub-support plates (first sub-support plate and second sub-support plate) that are spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows the digitizer module to be supported at multiple locations while maintaining flexibility in the folding area, preventing stress concentration that would cause cracking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A cushion layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the support plate and the digitizer module. This cushion layer absorbs and distributes the strain and stress generated during folding, protecting the digitizer module components from direct mechanical damage while enabling repeated folding operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If adhesive layers are applied to secure the digitizer module to the support plate, then the bonding strength is improved, but the adhesive layers in the folding area cause strain concentration and cracking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidstrain concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layers are strategically positioned only in non-folding areas where they provide bonding strength, while being omitted from the folding area. This extraction of adhesive material from the folding zone eliminates the strain concentration effect that would otherwise cause cracking, while still maintaining secure bonding where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The adhesive layers are applied selectively with different characteristics in different regions: strong bonding adhesive in non-folding areas for structural integrity, and no adhesive in the folding area to allow flexibility. This local differentiation optimizes both bonding strength and flexibility according to the functional requirements of each region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Strength

If a solid support structure is used to protect the digitizer module, then the protection strength is improved, but the folding area cannot flex properly causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection strengthVSAvoidfolding flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into multiple spaced-apart sub-support plates rather than a continuous solid structure. This segmentation creates a flexible support system that can accommodate the bending and folding motions while still providing protection at key locations, eliminating the damage caused by rigid solid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion layer acts as a flexible protective element that conforms to the bending shape during folding while absorbing stress. This flexible protective structure allows proper folding motion while maintaining protection strength, unlike rigid support structures that would cause damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 decreases the strain on the digitizer module, reducing the likelihood of cracks and enabling repeated folding without damaging the components.

Implementation Method 1

cushion layers to absorb stress

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

adhesive layers that do not overlap the folding area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11600208B2Display device

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a display module including a first non-folding area, a second non-folding area, and a folding area disposed between the first and second non-folding areas, a first support plate disposed beneath the display module and including openings to overlap the folding area in a plan view, a second support plate disposed beneath the first support plate and including first and second sub-support plates respectively overlapping the first and second non-folding areas in a plan view, and a digitizer module disposed between the first support plate and the second support plate.