Folding Display Panel Protection with Segmented Layers and Filling Part

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices face challenges in enhancing impact resistance while maintaining ease of folding, particularly in non-folding regions when folded, due to limitations in panel protection layer design and materials.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a filling part with a specific height and thickness between panel protection layers, which overlaps the folding region, allowing for improved impact resistance in non-folding areas while enabling easier folding by using materials with distinct elastic moduli and yield strains for the filling part and panel protection layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If panel protection layers are extended to cover non-folding regions, then impact resistance is improved, but folding difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidfolding ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The panel protection layer is divided into multiple segments: a first panel protection layer covering the first non-folding region, a second panel protection layer covering the second non-folding region, and these layers are spaced apart in the folding region. This segmentation allows the protection layers to cover impact-prone areas while leaving the folding region free of continuous protective coverage, thus maintaining foldability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filling part is specifically positioned in the folding region between the panel protection layers, providing localized cushioning exactly where needed during folding operations. This local quality approach ensures that protection is enhanced precisely in the folding region without compromising overall foldability, while panel protection layers provide protection in non-folding regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If panel protection layers are made thicker for better protection, then impact resistance improves, but device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filling part is specifically positioned in the folding region between the panel protection layers, providing localized cushioning exactly where needed during folding operations. This local quality approach ensures that protection is enhanced precisely in the folding region without compromising overall foldability, while panel protection layers provide protection in non-folding regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective structure combines multiple materials with different properties: panel protection layers (such as PET or PEN) for baseline protection, adhesive layers for bonding, and filling parts with cushioning materials (such as foam or rubber) for impact absorption. This composite material approach achieves superior impact resistance while managing overall thickness through strategic material selection and placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If cushioning material is added to the folding region, then folding ease improves, but impact resistance in non-folding regions may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding easeVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The protective structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: panel protection layers that extend into non-folding regions for impact protection, and filling parts that are positioned specifically in the folding region to provide cushioning. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filling part is specifically positioned in the folding region between the panel protection layers, providing localized cushioning exactly where needed during folding operations. This local quality approach ensures that protection is enhanced precisely in the folding region without compromising overall foldability, while panel protection layers provide protection in non-folding regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration enhances the impact resistance of non-folding regions while allowing the display device to be easily folded, preventing damage to the display surface and window components during folding and unfolding operations.

Implementation Method 1

using materials with distinct elastic moduli and yield strains for the filling part and panel protection layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

using materials with distinct elastic moduli and yield strains for the filling part and panel protection layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectYield strain: Plasticity

Implementation Method 3

an adhesive layer disposed under the display panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20250017077A1Display device and manufacturing method of the same

Publication Date: 2025.01.09 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel including a first non-folding region, a folding region, and a second non-folding region arranged in a first direction, a plurality of panel protection layers disposed under the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region, and a filling part that is disposed between the plurality of panel protection layers and that overlaps the folding region. A lower surface of the filling part has a height greater than or equal to each of heights of lower surfaces of the plurality of panel protection layers.