Foldable Display Layer Structure With Gapped Support for Stress Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face challenges in maintaining flexibility and preventing damage due to the complexity of stresses between stacked layers when folded or bent.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a design with a first flat region, a second flat region, and a foldable region between them, featuring a display layer, a supporting layer with a gap between its parts, and a cover layer directly formed on the polarizer layer without adhesives, reducing stress and enhancing flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple stacked layers or films are used in the display device, then the display device can achieve complete display functions, but the stresses among the layers become more complicated when folded or bent, limiting the folding or bending angle and potentially damaging the layers or films
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting layer is divided into a first supporting part and a second supporting part separated by a gap. This segmentation reduces the overall stress complexity by allowing each part to independently manage local stresses, thereby facilitating folding while maintaining display function completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap in the supporting layer is specifically positioned to create different structural characteristics in different regions. The first and second supporting parts have different configurations that optimize stress distribution locally, enabling the display device to fold without damaging the layers while maintaining complete display functions in the flat regions.
2Reliability
If multiple stacked layers or films are used in the display device, then the display device can achieve complete display functions, but the folding or bending angle is limited due to stress complications
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the supporting layer into separate parts with a gap, the structure can accommodate larger folding angles without compromising display function. Each supporting part can move independently during folding, increasing adaptability while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gap structure allows the supporting layer to dynamically adjust its configuration during folding. The first and second supporting parts can shift relative to each other, enabling greater folding angles while preventing damage to the display layers.
3Strength
If adhesives are used to form the cover layer on the polarizer layer, then the layers are well bonded, but the stress distribution becomes more complex and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is removed from the structure. The cover layer is formed directly on the polarizer layer without adhesives, eliminating the source of stress complexity while maintaining sufficient bonding strength through direct formation. This extraction of the adhesive simplifies the stress distribution and enhances flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover layer formation process is merged with the polarizer layer structure, creating a direct bond without an intermediate adhesive layer. This merging reduces the number of interfaces and stress points, improving flexibility while maintaining layer bonding strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device having a first flat region, a second flat region, and a foldable region located between the first flat region and the second flat region is provided. The display device includes a display layer, a supporting layer, and a cover layer. The supporting layer is disposed under the display layer and includes a first part and a second part separated from the first part by a gap. The cover layer is disposed on the display layer, wherein in a cross section view, a portion of the display layer and the first part of the supporting layer are overlapped in the first flat region, and another portion of the display layer and the second part of the supporting layer are overlapped in the second flat region.