Segmented Support Layer for Foldable Display Impact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices are vulnerable to external impacts due to their foldable nature, which can cause damage to the support layer and affect the durability and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A display device design that includes an impact absorbing layer with a concave portion and a support layer with strategically placed openings, which are symmetrical and spaced apart to absorb and distribute external impacts, preventing sagging and distortion when folded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible display device is made foldable to improve portability and user convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to external impacts causing damage to the support layer
Solution Approach 1:
The support layer is divided into multiple sub-support layers (first sub-support layer and second sub-support layer) that are spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows the structure to flex during folding while maintaining overall support, preventing damage during portable use.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact absorbing layer is configured with different properties in different regions: a bending area with a concave portion that corresponds to the folding area, and non-bending areas that provide rigid support. This local differentiation allows the structure to absorb impacts during folding while maintaining durability in non-folding regions.
2Strength
If the support layer is made continuous and solid to improve structural strength, then strength is improved, but the layer sags and distorts when the device is folded
Solution Approach 1:
The support layer is segmented into multiple sub-support layers spaced apart vertically. This segmentation prevents sagging and distortion by allowing each sub-layer to maintain its shape independently while providing distributed support, eliminating the need for a continuous solid structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a two-dimensional continuous layer to a three-dimensional spaced arrangement of multiple sub-layers. This dimensional change allows the support layer to maintain strength while accommodating folding movements without sagging or distortion.
3Ease of operation
If openings are added to the support layer to reduce weight and improve flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but the structural strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding openings to a single continuous layer, the support structure is segmented into multiple sub-layers. This segmentation maintains structural strength through distributed support while allowing flexibility, as each sub-layer can move independently during folding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from modifying a 2D layer with openings to creating a 3D spaced structure of multiple sub-layers. This dimensional transition preserves strength through vertical distribution while achieving flexibility through horizontal spacing, eliminating the need for openings that would compromise structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display module including a folding area and a non-folding area, an impact absorbing layer disposed under the display module and including a bending area and a non-bending area, and a support layer disposed under the impact absorbing layer and including a first sub-support layer overlapping a first non-folding area and a second sub-support layer spaced apart from the first sub-support layer and overlapping a second non-folding area. The first sub-support layer includes a first opening group formed through the first sub-support layer and spaced apart from a first cross-section surface adjacent to the second sub-support layer in a direction opposite to a second direction, and the second sub-support layer includes a second opening group formed through the second sub-support layer and spaced apart from a second cross-section surface adjacent to the first sub-support layer in the second direction.