Foldable Display Impact Resistance via Segmented Support Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display panels in flexible and foldable electronic devices face strain and potential damage from external impacts due to the lack of effective impact resistance mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a display device design featuring a display panel with a first and second non-folding region and a folding region, supported by a system of support plates and impact-resistant layers with thicknesses ranging from 40 micrometers to 300 micrometers, which are strategically positioned to absorb and distribute external forces without hindering the folding operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the display panel is designed to be flexible and foldable, then the device portability and form factor are improved, but the display panel becomes more vulnerable to external impacts and strain
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple separate support plates (first support plate, second support plate, third support plate) positioned at different locations beneath the display panel. Each support plate provides localized reinforcement to specific vulnerable areas, allowing the overall structure to remain flexible and foldable while improving impact resistance at critical points.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the display panel and the external environment. This buffer layer absorbs and dissipates external impact energy before it reaches the display panel, reducing strain on the panel while allowing the folding mechanism to operate smoothly.
2Reliability
If support structures are added to protect the display panel from impacts, then impact resistance is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a comprehensive rigid frame around the entire display panel, support plates are strategically placed only in specific locations where impact protection is most needed. This localized approach provides effective protection while minimizing the addition of structural complexity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes thin, flexible support plates and a buffer layer that can conform to the curved surface of the folded display panel. These thin-film-like components provide impact resistance without adding significant rigidity or complexity to the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If the display panel is made flexible for folding, then ease of carrying is improved, but the display panel experiences increased strain during folding and unfolding operations
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer layer is positioned in advance beneath the display panel to provide cushioning during folding and unfolding operations. This pre-positioned cushioning layer absorbs strain and prevents excessive stress from concentrating on the display panel during the folding process, enabling easier operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple support plates are distributed at different locations beneath the display panel to provide segmented support during folding. This segmentation allows different regions of the panel to be supported independently, reducing overall strain and enabling smoother folding operations.
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 design significantly reduces strain on the display panel and enhances impact resistance, minimizing the risk of damage from external impacts while maintaining the device's flexibility and foldability.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of impact resistant layers disposed between the first support plate and the second-first support plate and between the first support plate and the second-second support plate. Each of the plurality of impact resistant layers may have a thickness of about 40 micrometers to about 300 micrometers.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel including a first non-folding region, a folding region, and a second non-folding region, a first support plate disposed below the display panel and having a plurality of openings which overlap the folding region and are defined in the first support plate, a second-first support plate overlapping the first non-folding region and disposed below the first support plate in a plan view, a second-second support plate overlapping the second non-folding region and disposed below the first support plate in the plan view, and a plurality of impact resistant layers disposed between the first support plate and the second-first support plate and between the first support plate and the second-second support plate. Each of the impact resistant layers may have a thickness of about 40 micrometers to about 300 micrometers.