Multi-Foldable Display Protection Film with Segmented Polymer and Metal Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices, such as foldable displays, are prone to damage due to repeated stress at folded portions, which existing protection films fail to adequately address, leading to durability issues.
Innovation Solution
A display device design incorporating a polymer protection film, a metal complementary film, a light blocking layer, and an impact absorbing member with varying thicknesses and positions to enhance durability, allowing for multi-foldability while distributing stress effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single protection film is used for foldable display, then the structure is simple, but the durability at folded portions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protection film is divided into multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different material compositions. The first region contains only polymer, the second region contains both polymer and metal, and the third region contains only metal. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific functional requirements while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the protection film have different material compositions tailored to their specific needs. The polymer-rich first region provides flexibility for in-folding, the metal-polymer composite second region provides enhanced durability at the out-folding region, and the metal-rich third region provides structural support. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by making the structure complex only where necessary.
2Reliability
If a protection film with uniform thickness is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but the stress distribution is uneven causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protection film employs varying thickness across different regions, with the second region (polymer-metal composite) having different thickness characteristics than the first and third regions. This non-uniform thickness distribution optimizes stress distribution at critical folded portions while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through region-specific control.
3Strength
If only polymer material is used in protection film, then the flexibility is good, but the rigidity at out-folding region is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protection film uses composite materials with different properties in different regions. The first region uses polymer for flexibility, the second region uses polymer-metal composite for enhanced strength and rigidity, and the third region uses metal for structural support. This composite approach allows the film to exhibit both flexibility and rigidity as needed in different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection film is segmented into regions with different material compositions. The polymer-dominated first region maintains flexibility for in-folding operations, while the metal-included second region provides the necessary rigidity for out-folding durability, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and rigidity through spatial segmentation.
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
The design significantly improves the durability of folded portions by distributing stress and providing additional rigidity where needed, enabling improved flexibility and resistance to damage.
Implementation Method 1
The protection film is below the display module, overlapping the first bending axis and the second bending axis, and includes a polymer material. The complementary film is below the protection film, overlapping only the second bending axis of the first and second bending axes, and includes a metal.
Implementation Method 2
The design significantly improves the durability of folded portions by distributing stress and providing additional rigidity where needed
Implementation Method 3
the display device may further include an impact absorbing member below the protection film and having elasticity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A display device includes a display module (DM), a protection film (PF), and a complementary film (MF). The display module (DM) is foldable with respect to a first bending axis (BX1) and a second bending axis (BX2) spaced apart from the first bending axis (BX1). The protection film (PF) is below the display module (DM), overlaps the first bending axis (BX1) and the second bending axis (BX2), and includes a polymer material. The complementary film (MF) is below the protection film (PF), overlaps only the second bending axis (BX2) of the first and second bending axes (BF1, BF2), and includes a metal.