Foldable Window High-Modulus Films Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foldable flexible display devices are vulnerable to external impacts due to their susceptibility to deformation and damage from pressure and stress, which compromises their durability and impact resistance.

Innovation Solution

A foldable window with a multi-layered structure comprising high-modulus films (polyimide or polyamide copolymers) bonded by an adhesive layer with a thickness of 1-5 μm and an adhesive strength of 7 N/20 mm or more, optionally including a hard coating layer for impact resistance and an inorganic layer for moisture protection, which absorbs external impacts and maintains flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If flexible display devices are made foldable to improve convenience and portability, then ease of operation is improved, but durability and impact resistance deteriorate due to susceptibility to deformation and damage from pressure and stress

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconvenienceVSAvoiddurability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by creating a multi-layer window structure comprising a first film, second film, and adhesive layer. Each layer is specifically designed with certain mechanical properties, and their combination produces synergistic effects that enhance overall impact resistance and durability while maintaining flexibility. The composite structure allows each layer to contribute different functional characteristics, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by assigning different mechanical properties to different layers of the window structure. The first and second films have specific modulus requirements (7-15 GPa) to provide rigidity where needed, while the adhesive layer has controlled thickness (1-5 μm) and adhesive strength (7 N/20 mm or more) to provide flexibility. This localized optimization of properties throughout the structure enables the window to simultaneously achieve durability and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If the window structure is made more robust to improve impact resistance, then strength is improved, but flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the modulus of the first and second films within 7-15 GPa, the adhesive layer thickness within 1-5 μm, and the adhesive strength at 7 N/20 mm or more. By optimizing these parameters, the window structure achieves the right balance between strength and flexibility. The specific parameter ranges ensure the window is robust enough for impact resistance while remaining flexible for folding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by creating regions with different mechanical properties within the window structure. The film layers provide localized rigidity for impact resistance, while the thin adhesive layers provide localized flexibility for folding. This spatial differentiation of mechanical properties allows the structure to simultaneously exhibit both strength and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If adhesive layer thickness is increased to improve bonding strength, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidadhesive material
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the adhesive layer thickness to a specific range of 1-5 μm, which is thin enough to minimize material usage but thick enough to provide sufficient bonding strength of 7 N/20 mm or more. This precise parameter control resolves the contradiction between reliability and material quantity by finding the optimal thickness value that satisfies both requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a simplified approach by using a uniform adhesive layer with standardized thickness and strength requirements across the window structure. This standardized design allows for efficient manufacturing and material usage while maintaining consistent bonding performance, avoiding the need for variable thickness or additional bonding mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 significantly enhances the durability and impact resistance of foldable display devices by effectively distributing pressure and preventing damage from external impacts, while maintaining flexibility and reducing the risk of deformation and malfunction.

Implementation Method 1

an adhesive layer which is between the first film and the second film, bonds the first film to the second film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

The modulus of the first film and the modulus of the second film are both equal to or more than about 7 gigapascals (GPa)... absorbs external impacts and maintains flexibility

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11740655B2Foldable window and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2023.08.29 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US11740655B2 patent drawing
  • US11740655B2 patent drawing
  • US11740655B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A foldable window includes a first film having a modulus, a second film which faces the first film, is closer to a display panel of the display device than the first film and has a modulus, and an adhesive layer which is between the first film and the second film, bonds the first film to the second film. The modulus of the first film and the modulus of the second film are both equal to or more than about 7 gigapascals.