Grooved Window Protection Layer for Foldable Display Stress Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face challenges in achieving improved folding properties and impact resistance, particularly in designs with varying shapes and structures that require enhanced mechanical strength and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a window protection layer featuring grooves defined in the folding region, where the grooves overlap non-light emitting regions, and an upper protection layer with the same refractive index is applied to enhance folding ease and impact resistance, while maintaining user viewability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick window protection layer is used to improve impact resistance, then impact resistance is improved, but folding properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The window protection layer is segmented by forming grooves that divide it into multiple regions. These grooves act as stress relief zones that allow the layer to flex during folding while maintaining overall structural integrity and impact resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves are strategically positioned to overlap non-light emitting regions, creating localized flexibility zones where needed for folding while preserving the light emitting regions' optical properties and overall display functionality.
2Ease of operation
If grooves are formed in the window protection layer to improve folding properties, then folding properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The groove depth is controlled to be within a specific range (50-80 μm) relative to the window protection layer thickness, optimizing the balance between folding flexibility and structural integrity while simplifying the manufacturing process by providing clear dimensional guidelines.
3Illumination intensity
If an upper protection layer is added to fill the groove to maintain viewability, then visual appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The upper protection layer is designed with the same refractive index as the window protection layer, creating optical homogeneity that eliminates visual disturbances at the interface while maintaining a smooth, uniform appearance for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display panel, a window, and a window protection layer. The display panel includes a first non-folding region, a second non-folding region, and a folding region which is foldable and disposed between the first non-folding region and the second non-folding region. The first non-folding region, the second non-folding region, and the folding region each include light emitting regions in which light emitting elements respectively overlap and a non-light emitting region disposed between the light emitting regions. The window is disposed on the display panel. The window protection layer has at least one groove overlapping the folding region defined therein, and is disposed on the window. The groove overlaps the non-light emitting region of the folding region when viewed on a plane.