Organic Layer Connection Units for Bendable Display Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bendable and foldable display panels face challenges in maintaining deformability due to stress concentration at connection units, leading to cracks and failure of electroluminescent devices during bending and stretching processes.

Innovation Solution

A display panel design featuring a base with display units separated by gaps, where each gap contains a connection unit composed of sequentially stacked first and second organic layers and a conductive layer, which absorb and block tensile stress to prevent deformation and fracture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If connection units are used to connect adjacent display units, then the display panel achieves deformability, but stress concentration occurs at the connection units causing cracks and device failure during bending

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedeformabilityVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameters of the connection unit by using organic layers with specific mechanical properties (elongation ratio of 5-50%) that can undergo large deformations without cracking. This material parameter change allows the connection unit to absorb stress during bending while maintaining structural integrity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connection unit employs a composite structure consisting of multiple organic layers (first organic layer, second organic layer, and third organic layer) with different material properties. This composite material approach distributes stress across multiple layers, preventing stress concentration and cracking while maintaining deformability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the connection unit uses rigid materials to maintain structural integrity, then reliability improves, but the stretch rate is limited and deformability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidstretch rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that the organic layers in the connection unit have an elongation ratio of 5-50%, which is significantly higher than conventional rigid materials. This parameter change enables the connection unit to accommodate large stretching movements while maintaining structural integrity and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The connection unit utilizes thin organic film layers that inherently possess flexibility and elasticity. These thin film structures can deform easily under stress while maintaining their integrity, allowing the display panel to achieve high stretch rates without compromising the reliability of the connection units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If organic layers are added to block stress, then reliability and structural stability improve, but the manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the stress-blocking function with the existing connection unit structure by integrating organic layers directly into the connection unit. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate stress-blocking components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The organic layers in the connection unit serve multiple functions simultaneously: they block stress to prevent cracking, maintain structural integrity during deformation, and enable the connection unit to accommodate stretching. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces stress concentration, enhancing the structural stability of the connection units and allowing for a larger stretch rate without affecting signal transmission, thereby improving the deformability and reliability of the display panel.

Implementation Method 1

The first organic layer and the second organic layer are each configured to block stress causing the connection unit to deform

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStress blocking:

Data Source

PatentUS11793027B2Display panel and method for manufacturing the same, and display device

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A display panel includes a base; a plurality of display units disposed on a surface of the base, every two adjacent display units being provided with a gap therebetween; and a connection unit disposed in the gap and connected to the every two adjacent display units. The connection unit includes a first organic layer, a conductive layer and a second organic layer that are sequentially stacked. The first organic layer and the second organic layer are each configured to block stress causing the connection unit to deform.