Foldable Glass Substrate with Grooves for Flexible Displays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing occupancy of displays in electronic devices due to miniaturization of driving components and the need for flexible, curved structures without the use of special plates or protective films poses challenges in reducing thickness and improving durability and surface quality.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a substrate having first structures with openings or grooves, made of glass material, that can be folded, and a flexible second substrate, along with an adhesive layer and stopper layer, to enhance flexibility and reduce thickness by eliminating the need for separate plates and protective films.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the display structure uses traditional rigid substrates without openings or grooves, then the structural strength and crack resistance are improved, but the flexibility and ability to form curved surfaces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is segmented by introducing multiple openings or grooves that divide the continuous glass structure into separate regions. These segments can flex independently while maintaining overall structural integrity, enabling curved surface formation without compromising crack resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings or grooves are strategically positioned at specific locations where flexibility is needed, while other regions maintain full glass material density for strength. This creates local variations in mechanical properties, allowing the substrate to be rigid where required and flexible where needed.
2Reliability
If additional insulation plates and protective films are added to protect the display, then the durability and protection are improved, but the overall thickness and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged into the substrate structure itself through the openings and grooves design, eliminating the need for separate insulation plates and protective films. The substrate structure provides both mechanical support and protection simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function previously provided by separate components is extracted and integrated directly into the substrate. The openings and grooves are designed to provide protection while maintaining flexibility, removing the need for additional protective layers.
3Length of stationary object
If the substrate is made thinner to reduce overall device thickness, then the device compactness is improved, but the structural strength and crack resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate employs a composite structure combining glass material with openings or grooves filled with adhesive material. This composite approach allows the overall substrate to be thinner while the adhesive material in the openings/grooves provides additional structural support and crack resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings or grooves are pre-filled with adhesive material that acts as a cushioning element. This adhesive material provides beforehand protection against cracks and structural failure, allowing the substrate to be thinner without compromising strength.
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
This solution allows for a thinner, more durable display with improved surface quality and flexibility, reducing the risk of cracks during folding and eliminating the need for additional insulation plates.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer disposed on the digitizer to contact the digitizer; and a substrate disposed on the adhesive layer to contact the adhesive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes: digitizer; an adhesive layer disposed on the digitizer to contact the digitizer; and a substrate disposed on the adhesive layer to contact the adhesive layer. The substrate includes a first substrate in which a plurality of first structures, each including an opening or groove, are defined such that the first substrate is folded about a folding axis extending in a first direction, and the first substrate includes a glass material.