Foldable Display Groove Structure for Neutral Plane Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional display devices face challenges in reducing the peripheral region in three dimensions due to the thickness of the display panel, which makes it difficult to manufacture bendable or foldable panels with existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a top member and a bottom member with groove regions formed by laser irradiation at the bending region, allowing the display panel to bend and reducing the peripheral region by relocating the peripheral unit to the lower surface, thus forming a neutral plane inside the panel to prevent damage during bending or folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the display panel is made thick to ensure structural integrity, then the panel strength is improved, but the ability to bend or fold the panel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into multiple layers including a display panel, top member, and bottom member. The groove regions create distinct segments that allow controlled bending at specific locations while maintaining the integrity of the display panel itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional planar display devices to three-dimensional folded structures. By creating groove regions that extend into the depth dimension, the device can be folded along these grooves, effectively using the third dimension to reduce the peripheral region while maintaining panel strength.
2Area of stationary object
If the peripheral region is reduced in two dimensions, then the display area is improved, but the peripheral region cannot be sufficiently minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the third dimension by folding the peripheral region downward along groove regions. This allows the peripheral region to be relocated from the front surface to the back surface of the device, effectively reducing the visible peripheral area while accommodating all necessary circuitry and components.
Solution Approach 2:
The peripheral region is nested within the folded structure by relocating it to the lower surface of the display device. The groove regions act as nesting zones where the peripheral components are tucked away, similar to how nested dolls contain smaller dolls within larger ones.
3Adaptability or versatility
If groove regions are formed to enable bending, then the bending capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical bending mechanisms with simple groove structures. Instead of using hinges, joints, or other mechanical components to enable folding, the groove regions provide passive structural guidance that allows the device to bend along predetermined paths without additional mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device utilizes flexible substrate materials that can be formed into groove regions. These flexible films and thin structures allow the device to be bent and folded without requiring complex mechanical support structures, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
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 approach enables the display device to be readily bent or folded without damaging the panel, reducing the visible peripheral region and creating a dead space-free structure on the front side, while maintaining the display functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second groove regions may be formed by laser irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel, a top member, and a bottom member. The top member is disposed on the display panel, and has a first groove region where at least a portion of an upper surface of the display panel is exposed. The bottom member is disposed under the display panel, and has a second groove region where at least a portion of a lower surface of the display panel is exposed. The first and second groove regions are located at a bending region of the display device.