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
Engineering 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
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.
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.
2Strength
If the window structure is made more robust to improve impact resistance, then strength is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
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.
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.
3Reliability
If adhesive layer thickness is increased to improve bonding strength, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and material usage increase
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.
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.
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
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
Data Source
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.


