Moveable Display Support for Flexible OLED Bend Radius Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flexible displays are prone to damage from bending beyond a minimum bend radius, leading to strain on the thin film transistor matrix and potential buckling or creasing, which can result in pixel destruction and limited foldability due to the need for a hard backing surface that restricts the display's ability to fold.
Innovation Solution
A moveable display support connected to the back surface of the flexible display, capable of elongating to maintain zero-strain conditions, limits bending to a predetermined radius and provides support against point loads, using a structure of unit cells or support elements that interlock to prevent excessive strain and allow for defined curvature without damaging the display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hard backing surface is used to support the flexible display, then the display is protected from damage, but the display's ability to fold is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple unit cells that can independently deform, allowing the display to fold while maintaining protection. Each unit cell acts as a discrete element that contributes to overall structural integrity without preventing bending.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a static hard backing to a dynamic structure that can adapt its rigidity. The unit cells are designed to be rigid in the unfolded state for protection, but can deform in a controlled manner during folding to accommodate the display's curvature changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display is bent beyond the minimum bend radius, then foldability is improved, but strain on the thin film transistor matrix increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is pre-configured with unit cells that are designed to deform in advance during the folding process. This preliminary deformation action ensures that the display maintains a controlled bend radius and prevents excessive strain on the thin film transistor matrix before the fold is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure dynamically changes the bend radius parameter during folding. By controlling the deformation of unit cells, the system maintains the bend radius within safe limits that protect the thin film transistor matrix while still enabling foldability.
3Reliability
If a rigid support structure is used to prevent excessive bending, then display integrity is maintained, but the structure adds weight and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a single complex rigid structure, the support is segmented into simple, repeating unit cells. This segmentation reduces overall complexity while maintaining the protective function, as each unit cell is a simple element that contributes to the collective structural integrity.
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 moveable display support effectively prevents the display from experiencing excessive strain, allowing for high normal loads and point loads while maintaining the display's integrity and foldability, thereby reducing the risk of damage and enhancing the display's durability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
elongating the moveable display support during bending to maintain strain on the thin film transistor matrix below a predetermined amount
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device is disclosed that includes an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display. The OLED display has a front surface and a back surface. The computing device includes a moveable display support connected to the back surface of the display. In some implementations, the moveable display support is configured to limit bending in one direction to a first bend radius and to limit bending in another direction to a second bend radius. In some implementations, the moveable display support is formed by a plurality of unit cells.