Foldable Display Cover Window with Interlocking Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display panels require a cover window that balances protection from external shocks with flexibility, while existing solutions fail to adequately enhance durability in folding or bending areas.

Innovation Solution

A cover window design featuring a first layer with projection portions and a second layer with accommodation portions, along with a resin filling the gaps between them, which allows for flexibility and shock resistance by interlocking patterns and varying thicknesses to distribute stress effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the cover window is made rigid to protect the flexible display panel from external shocks, then protection capability is improved, but flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cover window is divided into a first layer and a second layer with different material properties. The first layer provides rigidity for protection, while the second layer provides flexibility for bending. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function, resolving the contradiction between protection capability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover window uses a composite structure combining a first layer (e.g., glass or rigid material) and a second layer (e.g., flexible polymer). This composite material approach integrates the advantages of both rigid and flexible materials, enabling the cover window to simultaneously provide shock protection and bending flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the cover window is made flexible to allow folding, then adaptability is improved, but protection capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidprotection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cover window is segmented into two functional layers: the first layer maintains rigidity for protection, while the second layer provides flexibility. This segmentation ensures that flexibility is achieved without compromising the protection capability of the rigid first layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The composite structure combines rigid and flexible materials in a layered configuration, where the rigid first layer preserves protection capability while the flexible second layer enables folding adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Weight of moving object

If the cover window is made thin to reduce weight, then weight is reduced, but strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveweightVSAvoidprotection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The thin cover window uses a composite structure where a thin rigid first layer provides sufficient protection while a flexible second layer compensates for structural weakness. This composite approach maintains strength despite reduced thickness and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The cover window is segmented into thin functional layers, with the first layer providing minimal rigid protection and the second layer providing structural support through flexibility. This segmentation allows weight reduction while maintaining overall strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Strength

If the cover window is made thick to increase strength, then protection capability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cover window uses a composite structure where a thin rigid first layer provides protection equivalent to a thick single layer, while the flexible second layer adds minimal weight. This composite approach achieves high strength without increasing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The cover window is segmented into thin functional layers that collectively provide the strength of a thick structure. The first layer provides rigid protection while the second layer provides flexible support, achieving high strength with minimal weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20230109286A1Display apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.04.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display apparatus includes a display panel that is foldable with respect to a folding axis, and a cover window disposed on the display panel and including a folding portion and a peripheral portion adjacent to the folding portion, wherein the cover window includes a first layer including a plurality of projection portions apart from each other in a first direction, a second layer partially concave to accommodate the projection portions and coupled to the projection portions with a gap therebetween, and a resin filled in the gap.