Folded-Back Edge Support Structure for Flexible Display Durability

Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display apparatuses face issues such as deformation, crack opening, and peeling of the flexible printed circuit at the edge portions, which affect the durability and reliability of the display.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus with a unique stacked structure comprising a display panel, a connecting portion, a bending portion, a main support layer, and an auxiliary support layer, where the auxiliary support layer includes a folded-back portion forming a double layer structure, enhancing adhesive strength and resistance to deformation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a flexible display apparatus uses a simple support structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but deformation and peeling occur at the edge portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidedge portion durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple functional zones: a first support region with a first support layer, a second support region with a second support layer, and a third support region with a third support layer. Each region is positioned at different distances from the bending portion and provides targeted support to prevent deformation and peeling at specific locations along the edge portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different support layers are applied at different locations of the flexible printed circuit. The first support layer is positioned closer to the bending portion, the second support layer at an intermediate distance, and the third support layer farther away. This local differentiation of support properties addresses the varying stress conditions at different edge portion locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If the flexible printed circuit is bonded directly to the connecting portion, then the bonding process is simplified, but peeling occurs at the edge portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebonding process simplicityVSAvoidbonding durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Support layers are applied to the flexible printed circuit before bonding it to the connecting portion. These support layers act as cushioning elements that prevent peeling during operation by providing mechanical reinforcement at the bonding interface and edge portions, while the bonding process itself remains straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If the edge portion lacks sufficient support, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but deformation and crack opening occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidedge portion dimensional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple functional zones: a first support region with a first support layer, a second support region with a second support layer, and a third support region with a third support layer. Each region is positioned at different distances from the bending portion and provides targeted support to prevent deformation and peeling at specific locations along the edge portion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different support layers are applied at different locations of the flexible printed circuit. The first support layer is positioned closer to the bending portion, the second support layer at an intermediate distance, and the third support layer farther away. This local differentiation of support properties addresses the varying stress conditions at different edge portion locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS12541125B2Display apparatus and method of fabricating display apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.02.03 CHENGDU BOE OPTOELECTRONICS TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a display panel having a display portion, a connecting portion, and a bending portion; a main support layer; and an auxiliary support layer including a main portion and a folded-back portion connected to the main portion as a unitary structure. An edge portion of the display apparatus includes a stacked structure. The stacked structure includes the connecting portion; the folded-back portion on the connecting portion; at least a part of the main portion on a side of the folded-back portion away from the connecting portion; a part of the main support layer; and a part of the display portion on a side of the part of the main support layer away from the main portion. Layers of the stacked structure is curved toward a back side of the display apparatus.