Foldable Display Structure With TFTs Outside the Deformation Zone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices with foldable flexible displays face challenges in managing structural damage due to repeated deformation, particularly in the deformation region where the display components are subjected to stress and strain.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pixel layer with distinct regions and thin film transistors (TFTs) configured to drive sub-pixels in specific areas, including a deformation region, to manage stress and enhance durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If TFTs are disposed within the deformation region to drive sub-pixels, then the display area is increased, but the structural integrity deteriorates due to stress concentration on TFTs during repeated folding
Solution Approach 1:
The display is divided into a first region with TFTs and sub-pixels, a second region with sub-pixels only, and a deformation region connecting them. This segmentation isolates the TFTs from the deformation zone, preventing stress concentration on the transistors while maintaining full display coverage across all regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the display are assigned different functional characteristics: the first region contains both TFTs and sub-pixels for normal operation, the deformation region is optimized for flexibility and stress absorption, and the second region contains sub-pixels driven by TFTs in the first region. This local differentiation allows the deformation region to handle mechanical stress without compromising TFT integrity.
2Reliability
If TFTs are disposed outside the deformation region, then the reliability of TFTs is improved, but the device complexity increases due to extended connection structures
Solution Approach 1:
The display structure is segmented into distinct functional regions: TFTs are confined to the first region outside the deformation zone, while the second region contains sub-pixels connected through the deformation region. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by clearly defining where each component resides and how they connect, reducing design complexity despite the extended connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation region acts as an intermediary zone that connects the TFT-containing first region with the sub-pixel-containing second region. This intermediary structure allows electrical connections to pass through the flexible zone without exposing the TFTs directly to deformation stress, managing complexity through functional zonation.
3Strength
If the display structure is made rigid to protect TFTs from damage, then the TFT protection is improved, but the foldability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into rigid regions (first and second regions containing TFTs and sub-pixels) and a flexible deformation region. This segmentation allows the rigid portions to protect TFTs while the deformation region provides the necessary flexibility for folding, enabling both protection and foldability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different mechanical properties are assigned to different regions: the first and second regions have rigid structures to protect and support electronic components, while the deformation region has flexible properties optimized for repeated bending. This local quality differentiation enables the display to be both protective and foldable.
Data Source
AI summary
A display comprises: a pixel layer including a first region, a second region, a deformation region, a plurality of first subpixels disposed in the first region, a plurality of second subpixels disposed in the second region, and a plurality of third subpixels disposed in the deformation region; and a plurality of TFTs disposed under the pixel layer, wherein the plurality of TFTs comprise: a plurality of first TFTs configured to drive the plurality of first subpixels, the plurality of first TFTs being disposed in the first region; a plurality of second TFTs configured to drive the plurality of second subpixels, the plurality of second TFTs being disposed in the second region; and a plurality of third TFTs configured to drive at least some of the plurality of third subpixels, the plurality of third TFTs being disposed outside the deformation region.