Layered Elastic Member for Foldable Display Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible or foldable display devices face issues with heat dissipation and deformation due to heat generated from display panels, leading to reduced folding reliability and strength of the elastic member.

Innovation Solution

An elastic member with multiple layers, including a first layer with high thermal conductivity and a second layer with higher thickness, featuring patterns such as holes or grooves, to enhance heat dissipation and maintain strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a single-layer elastic member is used, then the structure is simple, but heat dissipation performance is insufficient and deformation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic member is divided into multiple layers with distinct functions: a first layer for heat dissipation and a second layer for structural support and elasticity. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function, resolving the contradiction between heat dissipation performance and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The first layer uses materials with high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation, while the second layer uses materials with high strength and elasticity for structural support, achieving both heat dissipation performance and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If the elastic member thickness is increased to improve strength, then folding reliability improves, but heat dissipation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding reliabilityVSAvoidheat dissipation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the elastic member into two layers with different thicknesses and functions, the patent achieves both strength and heat dissipation efficiency. The first layer can be thinner since it only needs to conduct heat, while the second layer provides the necessary structural strength, resolving the contradiction between thickness-based strength and heat dissipation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the elastic member have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The first layer is optimized for thermal conductivity with appropriate thickness, while the second layer is optimized for mechanical strength, allowing each region to have the local quality needed for its function rather than uniform thickness throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Temperature

If heat dissipation layer thickness is increased, then heat dissipation performance improves, but folding characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation performanceVSAvoidfolding characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the elastic member so that the heat dissipation function is performed by the first layer with optimized thickness, while the second layer handles structural support and folding characteristics. This allows the heat dissipation layer to be thin enough not to interfere with folding while still being thick enough to effectively dissipate heat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second layer acts as an intermediary between the heat dissipation layer and the external environment, providing structural support that enables folding while allowing the first layer to focus on heat dissipation without compromising folding characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If pattern parts are added to reduce compressive stress, then folding reliability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefolding reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Pattern parts such as holes or grooves are added only to specific regions where compressive stress occurs during folding, rather than uniformly across the entire structure. This localized modification improves folding reliability in critical areas while minimizing the increase in manufacturing complexity compared to uniform modifications.

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

The solution effectively dissipates heat from the display panel, maintains elasticity and strength, and improves folding reliability by reducing compressive stress and plastic deformation.

Implementation Method 1

heat transferred from a display panel may be effectively dissipated to the outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20250261351A1Elastic member and display device comprising same

Publication Date: 2025.08.14 LG INNOTEK CO LTD

AI summary

An elastic member, according to one embodiment, comprises: a first layer comprising a first region and a second region; and a second layer on the first layer, wherein the first region is defined as a folding region, the second region is defined as an unfolding region, the first layer is disposed on a second region of the second layer, a pattern part comprising a plurality of holes or grooves is disposed in at least one region among a first region and the second region of the second layer, and the second layer is thicker than the first layer.