Porous Buffer Layer for Flexible Display Impact Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display devices are prone to damage from external impacts and iterative bending due to stress on the substrate, which compromises their strength and reliability.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a first impact buffer layer with nanostructures and pores, along with a barrier layer and a patterned structure, to disperse stress and enhance impact resistance while maintaining flexibility, the display device includes a flexible substrate that can be bent with a radius of curvature less than 2R, and a sealing portion to protect the display element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the thickness of the display device is reduced to improve flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but the device becomes more easily damaged from external impact

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidimpact resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a porous buffer layer containing pores that can compress during impact events. This porous structure allows the layer to absorb impact energy through compression while maintaining the overall thin profile of the display device, thus improving impact resistance without sacrificing flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining the buffer layer with different mechanical properties (softer, more compliant) with the substrate and other display layers. This composite approach allows the buffer layer to specifically absorb impact forces while the rest of the device maintains its flexible characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a glass substrate is used to provide strength, then impact resistance is improved, but flexibility is reduced and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpact resistanceVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid glass substrate with a flexible polymer substrate that can be bent and deformed. The flexible substrate maintains sufficient structural integrity while enabling the display device to achieve the desired flexibility and deformability for applications like foldable or bendable displays

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent places a buffer layer between the flexible substrate and the display elements beforehand to provide cushioning protection. This pre-positioned buffer layer is designed to compress during impact events, protecting the fragile display elements from damage before the impact force reaches them

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3297050B1Display device

Publication Date: 2022.06.15 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

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AI summary

A display device includes a substrate (110), a barrier layer (120), a transistor (300), and a first impact buffer layer (130). The barrier layer is disposed on the substrate. The transistor is disposed on the barrier layer. The first impact buffer layer is disposed between the barrier layer and the transistor. The first impact buffer layer includes a nanostructure (20). The nanostructure includes pores.