Foldable Display Dual-Layer Contacts for Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable display apparatuses are vulnerable to external impact due to weaker structural components, particularly around contact holes, leading to potential damage and defects such as cracks or spots.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a first conductive layer beneath a second conductive layer, connected via overlapping holes, enhances structural integrity and impact resistance by providing additional support around critical contact points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a single conductive layer is used for contact holes, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the structural integrity and impact resistance are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidconductive layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single conductive layer is segmented into two separate conductive layers (first conductive layer and second conductive layer) that are disposed at different positions. The first conductive layer is positioned to overlap the contact hole, while the second conductive layer is positioned to overlap the semiconductor layer. This segmentation provides enhanced structural integrity and impact resistance at critical locations without requiring a completely complex new structure, as each layer has a specific functional position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from a single-layer structure to a multi-layer structure in the vertical dimension. The first conductive layer and second conductive layer are arranged at different heights, creating a three-dimensional configuration that enhances mechanical strength and impact resistance. This dimensional change allows the structure to better absorb and distribute impact forces without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If module strength is reduced for foldable characteristics, then the display apparatus achieves foldable functionality, but the durability and impact resistance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoldable functionalityVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing enhanced structural reinforcement specifically at critical locations (contact holes and semiconductor layer areas) through the first and second conductive layers. The rest of the module maintains the lightweight, flexible structure necessary for foldable functionality. This localized strengthening allows the module to achieve foldable characteristics while maintaining durability at vulnerable points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The first conductive layer is positioned to overlap the contact hole area, providing beforehand cushioning and protection to this vulnerable region. This pre-positioned structural support acts as a buffer against potential impact damage, allowing the module to maintain both foldable flexibility and enhanced durability at critical locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS12457860B2Display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2025.10.28 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US12457860B2 patent drawing
  • US12457860B2 patent drawing
  • US12457860B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In order to provide a display apparatus with improved durability and improved impact resistance and a method of manufacturing the same, the disclosure provides a display apparatus and a method of manufacturing the same, the display apparatus including a substrate, a semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, an insulating layer covering the semiconductor layer and including a first hole exposing a portion of the semiconductor layer, a first conductive layer disposed on the insulating layer and including a second hole overlapping the first hole, and a second conductive layer in contact with the portion of the semiconductor layer via the first hole and the second hole.