Foldable Display Device Signal Routing Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable display devices face stability and reliability issues due to damage of electrodes, encapsulation layers, and signal lines during folding or flexing, leading to compromised performance.
Innovation Solution
A foldable display device design featuring a display panel with a first and second display unit connected by a foldable region where no signal transmission occurs, utilizing a flexible substrate and a connecting member that allows repeated folding without electronic elements in the foldable region, thereby minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If signal transmission lines are included in the foldable region to enable communication between display units, then device functionality is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage risk during folding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts signal transmission lines from the foldable region, placing them only in the first and second display regions while leaving the foldable region free of electronic elements. This extraction eliminates the conflict between maintaining signal transmission capability and ensuring folding reliability, as the foldable region can now be repeatedly folded without damaging sensitive electronic components.
2Ease of operation
If the foldable region contains electronic elements for signal transmission, then communication between display units is enabled, but the risk of component damage increases during repeated folding
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic elements are extracted from the foldable region and positioned only in the rigid display regions. This spatial separation allows the foldable region to perform its bending function without compromising electronic components, while signal transmission is maintained through alternative routing in the non-foldable areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a bridge region as an intermediary structure that connects the first and second display regions without requiring signal transmission through the foldable region. This mediator structure enables communication between display units while isolating the foldable region from electronic element damage risks.
3Device complexity
If conventional display structures are used with signal lines running through the foldable region, then device integration is achieved, but stability and reliability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is segmented into distinct functional regions: first display region, foldable region, and second display region. Each region has a specialized function - the display regions contain electronic elements for signal transmission, while the foldable region is dedicated to mechanical bending without electronic components. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing high integration in display regions while ensuring reliability in the foldable region.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a first display unit, a second display unit, and a connecting member for connecting the first display unit with the second display unit. The connecting member is foldable such that the display device may be folded at the connecting member. There is no signal transmission between the first display unit and the second display unit through the connecting member.