Foldable Display Window Etching for Durable Hinge Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible display devices face challenges in achieving improved folding characteristics in folding areas, particularly in windows, which affect their durability and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A method of manufacturing a window assembly involves etching a folding part of a base substrate to create a flat portion with a smaller thickness and inclined portions at a predetermined angle or curvature, enhancing the folding characteristics by reducing thickness variations and optimizing structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the window assembly is folded, then the display device achieves flexibility and portability, but the window assembly experiences stress concentration and potential damage at the folding area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a folding part with different thickness characteristics than the non-folding parts. The folding part has a first thickness in a folded state that is less than a second thickness of the non-folding parts, allowing the window assembly to have uniform thickness in the unfolded state while providing stress relief in the folding area during folded state, thus improving durability without sacrificing folding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of thickness in the folding part through etching or molding processes. By reducing the thickness of the folding part relative to non-folding parts, the patent modifies the mechanical properties of the window assembly to enable better flexibility and stress distribution during folding operations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability
2Ease of operation
If the folding part has reduced thickness for better folding characteristics, then flexibility improves, but structural integrity and strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating distinct thickness zones: the folding part has reduced thickness for flexibility while non-folding parts maintain full thickness for strength. This localized modification allows the window assembly to achieve smooth folding operations without compromising overall structural integrity, as the thicker non-folding parts provide necessary support
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the window assembly into folding parts and non-folding parts with different thickness characteristics. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone - the folding parts are thinned for flexibility and smooth operation, while non-folding parts retain full thickness for structural strength and integrity
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 provides a display device with enhanced folding capabilities, ensuring smoother operation and improved durability in folding areas, thereby enhancing user convenience and device longevity.
Implementation Method 1
immersing the folding part of the window assembly in an etchant, and exposing the folding part of the window assembly from the etchant
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a window includes providing a window assembly including a base substrate including a folding part and non-folding parts spaced apart from each other with the folding part interposed therebetween, a coating layer disposed on a first surface of the base substrate, and etching jigs overlapping the non-folding parts and arranged in the coating layer, immersing the folding part of the window assembly in an etchant, and exposing the folding part of the window assembly from the etchant, wherein second surfaces opposite to the first surface face each other in a folded state and are in direct contact with the etchant.