Multisurface Display Panel Structure for Flexible Side-Surface Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices primarily display images on a front surface and lack the capability to effectively display on multiple side surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A display panel design that includes pixels on multiple surfaces, including a first flat surface and four side surfaces, with structures allowing for bending and stress reduction, enabling image display on these surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pixels are disposed only on the front surface of the display panel, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the display device cannot display images on side surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay surface coverageVSAvoidpanel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel extends from a traditional two-dimensional front surface to a three-dimensional structure that includes side surfaces. The first and second extension surfaces protrude from the front and rear surfaces respectively, creating additional display areas on the sides of the display device, thus utilizing spatial dimensions beyond the conventional planar display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is divided into multiple distinct surfaces: a front surface, a rear surface, and four side surfaces (first and second extension surfaces, and first and second side surfaces). Each surface can independently display images, allowing the display device to show different content on different faces, effectively segmenting the display function across multiple spatial locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the extension surfaces are made long to increase display area, then more content can be displayed, but stress and bending difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidbending flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second extension surfaces have different lengths adapted to their specific functions. The first extension surface has a longer first side to provide sufficient display area on the side, while the third side is shortened to reduce stress concentration at the corner. The second extension surface similarly adjusts its side lengths to balance display area and structural integrity, with each surface having optimized local dimensions rather than uniform proportions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The extension surfaces are designed with asymmetric dimensions where adjacent sides have different lengths. Specifically, the first side of the first extension surface is longer than its third side, and similarly for the second extension surface. This asymmetric design allows the display area to be maximized in critical directions while reducing material and stress in less critical areas, improving overall flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Area of stationary object

If the third side of extension surfaces is made long, then display area increases, but stress at contact points increases making bending difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidstress at contact point
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The third sides of the first and second extension surfaces are specifically shortened to reduce stress concentration at the contact points where these surfaces meet the first and second side surfaces. This local modification maintains sufficient display area on the primary sides while eliminating excessive material that would create harmful stress concentrations during bending operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid structure is used to maintain panel stability, then structural integrity is improved, but flexibility and bending capability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel stabilityVSAvoidbending capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display panel utilizes a flexible substrate structure that allows the entire panel including extension surfaces to be bent without damage. This flexible construction enables the display device to adapt to different mounting configurations and spatial arrangements while maintaining structural integrity, transforming the panel from a rigid component to a flexible one that can conform to various geometric requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 display panel can display images on all surfaces, including side surfaces, while reducing stress and facilitating bending, enhancing flexibility and visibility.

Implementation Method 1

a reflective layer positioned in the display device for reflecting light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3902007B1Display panel, display device comprising same, and method for manufacturing display device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3902007B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3902007B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3902007B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display panel, a display device comprising the same, and a method for manufacturing the display device are provided. The display panel comprises a first flat surface, a first side surface extending from a first side of the first flat surface, a second side surface extending from a second side of the first flat surface, a first extension surface extending from a first side of the first side surface, and a second extension surface extending from a first side of the second side surface. A first side of the first extension surface faces a third side of the first flat surface, and a first side of the second extension surface faces a fourth side of the first flat surface.