Protected-Edge Glass Window for Foldable Display Crack Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices face issues with glass window cracking and fine glass dust scattering due to repeated folding or impacts, which compromises the durability and reliability of the protective window.
Innovation Solution
A protective window design featuring a glass substrate with a thickness of 20 μm to 80 μm, a protective film, an adhesive layer, and a polymeric curable resin-based protective layer that covers the edge portion of the glass substrate, along with a light-blocking layer, to prevent damage and dust scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thin glass substrate (20-80 μm) is used for the protective window, then flexibility and adaptability for foldable devices are improved, but the glass becomes more susceptible to cracking and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining the glass substrate with multiple protective layers including a protective film, adhesive layer, and protective layer. This composite structure enhances the overall strength and crack resistance of the thin glass substrate while maintaining its flexibility for foldable display devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer covering the edge portion of the glass substrate provides beforehand cushioning by absorbing and distributing stress before it can propagate into the main body of the glass. This preventive measure reduces the likelihood of crack initiation and propagation in the thin glass substrate during folding operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the glass substrate is made thinner to enable folding, then flexibility is improved, but the risk of damage and fine glass dust generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer serves as a cushioning element that absorbs impact forces before they can cause damage to the thin glass substrate. This prevents cracking and the subsequent generation of fine glass dust particles that would otherwise occur when thin glass is subjected to folding stress or external impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer composite structure including the protective film, adhesive layer, and protective layer creates a robust protective system that shields the thin glass substrate from damage. This composite approach maintains foldability while preventing the harmful effects of glass breakage and dust generation.
3Reliability
If a protective layer is added to cover the edge portion of the glass substrate, then durability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is applied selectively only to the edge portion of the glass substrate rather than the entire surface. This local quality approach provides enhanced protection where it is most needed (at the vulnerable edges) while minimizing the addition of structural complexity and material usage compared to a full-coverage protective layer.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the protective layer thickness is limited to 1/3 of the adhesive layer thickness, then flexibility is maintained, but the protective effect may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a parameter relationship where the protective layer thickness is limited to 1/3 of the adhesive layer thickness. This parameter control optimizes the balance between protective strength and flexibility by ensuring the protective layer is sufficiently thin to allow folding while still providing adequate edge protection against damage and dust generation.
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 the risk of glass substrate damage, minimizes fine glass dust generation, and enhances the durability and reliability of the protective window by preventing direct contact with the receiving member and reducing light leakage.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer which is between the protective film and the glass substrate and combines the protective film with the glass substrate
Implementation Method 2
a protective layer which covers an edge portion of the glass substrate... effectively reduces the risk of glass substrate damage
Data Source
AI summary
A protective window includes a glass substrate which faces a display surface of an image-generating panel and has a thickness of about 20 micrometers to about 80 micrometers; a protective film which faces the display surface of the image-generating panel with the glass substrate therebetween; an adhesive layer which is between the protective film and the glass substrate and combines the protective film with the glass substrate; and a protective layer which covers an edge portion of the glass substrate. A thickness of the protective layer which covers the edge portion of the glass substrate is equal to or less than about ⅓ of a thickness of the adhesive layer which combines the protective film with the glass substrate.