Foldable Display Support Layer Layout Against Transistor Cracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible display devices, particularly at their folding portions, are vulnerable to external impacts that can damage transistors, leading to malfunctioning pixels.
Innovation Solution
The display device incorporates a support layer with recess portions and rib portions to enhance flexibility and stability, positioning transistors only in certain folding portions, and defining deeper openings in the folding portion to prevent crack propagation and protect transistors from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the support layer is made rigid to provide structural support, then the stability and strength are improved, but the vulnerability to external impacts and crack propagation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support layer is segmented into multiple regions including folding portions and non-folding portions, with different structural characteristics in each region. The folding portion has a different structure compared to the non-folding portion, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the support layer are given different structural qualities. The folding portion has a structure optimized for flexibility and impact absorption, while the non-folding portion maintains rigid support characteristics. This local differentiation allows the support layer to simultaneously provide strength and resistance to external impacts.
2Strength
If the inorganic layers are made thick to protect transistors, then the protection strength is improved, but the vulnerability to crack propagation from external impacts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic layers are segmented into multiple thinner layers rather than using a single thick layer. This segmentation allows the layers to flex and absorb impact energy more effectively, reducing the likelihood of crack propagation while maintaining protection strength for the transistors.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple inorganic layers with different properties are stacked to form a composite protective structure. This composite approach provides enhanced protection against external impacts and crack propagation while maintaining the necessary flexibility and electrical properties for transistor functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If transistors are disposed in the folding portion to enable flexible display, then the adaptability and flexibility are improved, but the vulnerability to external impacts and transistor damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding portion is segmented into multiple regions with different structural characteristics. Transistors are selectively disposed in specific regions where they are better protected from external impacts, while maintaining the overall flexibility needed for adaptive display functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions within the folding portion are given different structural qualities and transistor densities. Transistors are placed in regions with enhanced structural support and protection, while other regions maintain maximum flexibility. This local optimization balances transistor reliability with flexible display capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a substrate including a first non-folding portion, a second non-folding portion, and a folding portion therebetween; a support layer disposed under the substrate and including a plurality of first portions overlapping the first and second non-folding portions, respectively, and a second portion overlapping the folding portion; a plurality of transistors disposed on the substrate, and a plurality of light emitting elements disposed above the transistors and connected to the transistors. The second portion includes a plurality of rib portions disposed between recess portions defined in a lower surface of the second portion. The folding portion includes a plurality of first folding portions overlapping the recess portions and a plurality of second folding portions overlapping the rib portions in the plan view. The transistors are not disposed in the first folding portions.