Foldable Display Layer Structure for Bendable Area Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices with flexible display panels face challenges in optimizing the stacked structure of the bendable area, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies in the display performance.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a specific layered structure that includes a window protection layer, impact absorption layer, anti-reflection layer, and adhesion layers, among others, is designed to enhance the durability and flexibility of the bendable area, ensuring protection and optimal display performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible display panel is bent to dispose the driving chip below the display panel, then the adaptability and flexibility of the display device are improved, but the reliability and durability of the bendable area deteriorate due to potential damage from improper stacked structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility of display deviceVSAvoiddurability of bendable area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different structural configurations to different areas of the display panel. The bendable area has a specific stacked structure where the window protection layer and window are spaced apart from the first boundary, while other areas have different configurations. This local differentiation allows the bendable area to flex properly while maintaining overall device reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate protective layers and spacing structures between the window assembly and the bendable area boundary. These intermediary elements act as buffers that protect the rigid window structure from damage during bending, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the stacked structure in the bendable area is not optimized, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and protection of the bendable area deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of stacked structureVSAvoidprotection of bendable area
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than simplifying the entire stacked structure uniformly, the patent applies enhanced protective configurations specifically in the bendable area. The window protection layer and its spacing from the first boundary are implemented locally where needed, maintaining simplicity in non-bendable areas while ensuring reliability in the bendable area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If the window protection layer and window are positioned closer to the first boundary of the bendable area, then the area of the display panel is utilized more efficiently, but the reliability and resistance to damage in the bendable area worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveutilization of display panel areaVSAvoidresistance to damage in bendable area
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the window protection layer and window at an optimized distance from the first boundary, creating an intermediary spacing zone. This spacing acts as a buffer that protects the window assembly from bending stresses while still allowing efficient use of the display panel area. The adhesion layers and protection layers serve as intermediary elements that manage the spatial relationship between these components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3866205B1Display device
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3866205B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3866205B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3866205B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Provided is a display device including a display panel including a first area, a second area, and a bendable area which is disposed between the first and second areas and is bent so that the second area is disposed below the first area, a driving IC disposed below the second area, a window disposed on the first area, a window protection layer disposed on the window, and a first panel protection layer disposed below the first area. When viewed on a plane, one side of the window protection layer and one side of the window are spaced apart from a first boundary between the first area and the bendable area, and the one side of the window protection layer is disposed between the first boundary ad the one side of the window.