Flexible Display Module Circuit Structure for Compact Bend Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flexible display modules face challenges with large space occupation by circuit boards, leading to reduced space for whole-machine elements, increased costs due to spacers, and potential damage to electronic components during bending.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display module design featuring a circuit board with a foldable FPC and multi-layer PCB, secured by adhesives, which reduces space occupation and protects electronic components by allowing them to be received in defined spaces, thus enabling more whole-machine elements and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a conventional circuit board is used in flexible display modules, then electronic components can be mounted and connected, but the circuit board occupies large space, reducing space for whole-machine elements
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is divided into a rigid PCB portion and a flexible FPC portion. The rigid PCB is positioned in the bonding region away from the display region, while the flexible FPC connects to the display panel. This segmentation allows the circuit board to occupy minimal space while maintaining all necessary electronic component mounting and connection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board transitions from a conventional planar structure to a three-dimensional configuration where the rigid PCB and flexible FPC form different spatial layers. The FPC bends to create vertical spacing, allowing electronic components to be received in the space between the circuit board and display panel, effectively utilizing the Z-dimension to reduce overall footprint.
2Reliability
If spacers are added to protect electronic components during bending, then component reliability improves, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible FPC itself serves as the protective structure for electronic components during bending. The FPC's flexibility allows it to bend without damaging mounted components, eliminating the need for separate spacer structures. The FPC's design inherently provides both connection functionality and component protection, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit board is made flexible to match the display panel, then integration improves, but structural stability and component mounting capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board is segmented into two distinct portions: a rigid PCB for structural stability and component mounting, and a flexible FPC for integration with the display panel. This segmentation allows each portion to optimize its properties - the rigid PCB maintains structural integrity while the flexible FPC provides adaptability to the flexible display panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid PCB and flexible FPC are merged into a single circuit board assembly that combines the advantages of both rigid and flexible structures. The FPC is coupled to the PCB, creating a hybrid structure that maintains electrical connectivity while providing both structural support and flexibility for integration with the display panel.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible display module includes a flexible display panel, a driving chip and a circuit board. The flexible display panel includes a display region and a bonding region arranged at a side of the display region opposite to a light-exiting side, and a bending region between the display region and the bonding region. The flexible display module further includes a flexible substrate supporting the flexible display panel, the flexible substrate includes a first flexible substrate and a second flexible substrate. The circuit board is connected to the other end of the second flexible substrate at a first position. An orthographic projection of the driving chip onto a plane where the first flexible substrate is located and an orthographic projection of the bending region onto the plane where the first flexible substrate is located are both located on a same side of a first vertical line.