Foldable Display Window Profile for Reliable Crease Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable display devices face challenges in maintaining product reliability and efficient manufacturing processes, particularly in creating a window structure that can withstand repeated folding and unfolding without compromising image quality or durability.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a window structure featuring a folding portion comprising a first substantially curved surface, a substantially flat surface, and a second substantially curved surface, where each width of these surfaces is significantly greater than the width of the flat surface, and a method of manufacturing this window using a multi-lamp etching process to form the desired surface profiles, ensuring the window's thickness varies to enhance folding reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flat window structure is used in foldable display devices, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the folding reliability deteriorates due to stress concentration and visible fold lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the window structure by forming a recessed portion with a curved surface in the folding area. This curved surface gradually transitions from the front surface toward the rear surface, eliminating sharp edges and stress concentration points. The curvature allows the window to flex more smoothly during folding operations, improving folding reliability while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by creating a recessed portion only in the folding area of the window, while maintaining the original flat structure in non-folding areas. This localized modification allows the window to have different structural properties in different regions: the recessed curved portion handles folding stress, while the flat portions maintain structural stability and aesthetic appearance.
2Reliability
If the window thickness is uniform throughout, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the visibility of the folded structure increases and folding durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional uniform thickness design to a three-dimensional variable thickness structure. By creating a recessed portion that extends into the thickness dimension, the window achieves different thickness levels: thinner in the folding area (recessed portion) and thicker in non-folding areas. This dimensional change allows the window to be more flexible during folding while maintaining overall structural strength.
3Reliability
If a recessed portion with curved surfaces is formed in the window, then folding reliability improves, but the manufacturing complexity and process difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical shaping processes with a chemical etching process using etching paste. Instead of using mechanical tools to create the recessed curved portion, the invention applies etching paste to the glass substrate, which chemically removes material to form the desired curved recessed shape. This substitution simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating the need for complex mechanical forming equipment and multi-step machining operations.
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 enables improved folding reliability and reduced visibility of the folded structure, maintaining image quality and durability by optimizing the window's thickness and surface profiles, thus addressing the challenges of product reliability and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
forming a folding portion in the window, the folding portion including a first substantially curved surface, a substantially flat surface extending from the first substantially curved surface, and a second substantially curved surface extending from the substantially flat surface
Implementation Method 2
radiating heat having a temperature gradient to the etching paste by using a lamp
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel configured to display an image, the display panel including a first non-folding area; a second non-folding area; and a folding area disposed between the first non-folding area and the second non-folding area; and a window disposed on the display panel and including a folding portion overlapping the folding area of the display panel. The folding portion of the window includes a first substantially curved surface, a substantially flat surface extending from the first substantially curved surface; and a second substantially curved surface extending from the substantially flat surface.