Segmented Glass Substrate for Foldable Display Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glass substrates in display devices lack sufficient durability against impact, particularly in folding and unfolding operations, leading to potential damage and reduced flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A glass substrate with a folding portion and a non-folding portion, where the non-folding portion has a greater thickness and is chemically reinforced with a second alkali metal cation having a larger ionic radius than the first alkali metal cation, providing enhanced compressive strength and durability, while the folding portion maintains flexibility for easy folding and unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the glass substrate thickness is increased to improve impact durability, then the durability against external impacts is improved, but the flexibility for folding operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The glass substrate is divided into two distinct layers: a first layer with uniform thickness providing flexibility for folding operations, and a second layer with greater thickness at the non-folding portion providing impact durability. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The second layer is designed with non-uniform thickness, being greater at the non-folding portion and thinner at the folding portion. This local quality variation provides enhanced protection where impact resistance is most needed while maintaining flexibility in the folding area.
2Strength
If chemical reinforcement with alkali metal cations is applied to improve compressive strength, then the durability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chemical reinforcement is applied selectively to different regions of the glass substrate. The first alkali metal cation is introduced throughout, while the second alkali metal cation with larger ionic radius is specifically concentrated in the second layer, particularly at the non-folding portion. This localized chemical reinforcement enhances compressive strength where needed without requiring complex manufacturing processes throughout the entire substrate.
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 glass substrate achieves improved durability against external impacts and maintains flexibility, allowing for repeated folding and unfolding operations without damage, enhancing the overall performance and lifespan of display devices.
Implementation Method 1
The first layer includes a first alkali metal cation, and the second layer includes a second alkali metal cation having an ionic radius greater than an ionic radius of the first alkali metal cation
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display module having a folding area and a non-folding area adjacent to the folding area. A glass substrate is disposed on the display module and comprises a first layer and a second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer has a compressive strength that is higher than a compressive strength of the first layer. The first layer and the second layer of the glass substrate each include a folding portion overlapping the folding area and having a first thickness and a non-folding portion overlapping the non-folding area and having a second thickness greater than the first thickness. The second layer of the non-folding portion has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the second layer of the folding portion.