Foldable Display Window With Impact Absorbing Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices with small thicknesses face a trade-off between impact resistance and foldability, being vulnerable to external impacts due to reduced thickness.
Innovation Solution
A window with a glass substrate and an impact absorbing layer, topped with coating layers having a higher storage modulus, which are thin enough to maintain foldability while enhancing impact resistance, includes a specific thickness ratio and materials like epoxy silan, silsesquioxane, and polyimide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the thickness of the display device is reduced to achieve foldability, then the flexible property is improved, but the impact resistance property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the glass substrate with an impact absorbing layer made of polymer material (such as polyimide or polycarbonate). This composite structure allows the display device to maintain thinness for foldability while the polymer layer provides impact absorption capabilities, resolving the contradiction between reduced thickness and impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact absorbing layer is applied locally on specific surfaces of the glass substrate where impact resistance is needed, rather than uniformly thickening the entire display device. This localized approach maintains the overall thin profile required for foldability while providing enhanced impact protection at critical areas.
2Strength
If a thick impact absorbing layer is used to improve impact resistance, then the impact resistance property is improved, but the foldable property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the thickness parameter of the impact absorbing layer to a specific range (1 μm to 10 μm) that provides sufficient impact resistance while maintaining the flexibility required for foldability. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal thickness that satisfies both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The impact absorbing layer is designed as a thin film structure with flexible polymer materials that can bend and deform under impact, absorbing energy while maintaining the overall flexibility of the display device for foldable applications.
3Strength
If a coating layer with high storage modulus is added to improve impact resistance, then the impact resistance property is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the impact absorbing layer and the coating layer into an integrated multi-layer structure where both layers work together to provide impact resistance. The coating layer is applied directly on the impact absorbing layer, merging multiple functions into a compact structure that improves impact resistance without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating layer with high storage modulus is applied locally on surfaces where maximum impact resistance is needed, rather than uniformly throughout the entire structure. This localized application provides enhanced protection while minimizing the overall increase in device complexity.
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
The solution effectively increases the impact resistance of foldable display devices while preserving their ability to be folded, as demonstrated by improved performance in pen drop tests, reducing the likelihood of damage from external impacts.
Implementation Method 1
an impact absorbing layer disposed on the glass substrate and having a first storage modulus, and at least one coating layer disposed on at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the impact absorbing layer, respectively, and having a second storage modulus that is greater than the first storage modulus
Implementation Method 2
The at least one coating layer may be deposited by using a thermal deposition apparatus
Implementation Method 3
The at least one coating layer may be deposited by using an E-beam deposition apparatus
Implementation Method 4
The at least one coating layer may be deposited by using a sputtering apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a window including a glass substrate, an impact absorbing layer disposed on the glass substrate and having a first storage modulus, and at least one coating layer disposed on at least one of top and bottom surfaces of the impact absorbing layer, respectively, and having a second storage modulus that is greater than the first storage modulus, wherein a ratio between a first thickness of the impact absorbing layer and a second thickness of at least one of the at least one coating layer is about 1:0.0002 to about 1:0.05.