Reinforcement-Fiber Support Layer for Foldable Display Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foldable electronic devices face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and durability during folding and unfolding operations, particularly in the folding regions, which can lead to damage and reduced device lifespan.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a support layer with reinforcement fibers, such as aramid or carbon fibers, in the non-folding regions and folding regions of the display panel, along with a digitizer and electromagnetic shielding, to enhance structural support and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a support layer with reinforcement fiber is added to enhance structural integrity, then the strength and durability of the display panel are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support layer is constructed using composite materials consisting of reinforcement fibers (aramid or carbon fibers) embedded in a polymer matrix. This composite structure provides enhanced mechanical strength and rigidity to the display panel while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture. The reinforcement fibers resist cracking and deformation during folding operations, directly addressing the structural integrity requirement without significantly complicating the device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support layer with reinforcement fiber is designed as a thin, flexible structure that can accommodate the folding motion of the display panel. The thin film nature of the support layer allows it to bend repeatedly without breaking, while the embedded reinforcement fibers provide the necessary structural strength. This approach enhances durability during folding operations without adding significant complexity to the device structure.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If reinforcement fiber is incorporated in the support layer to improve durability during folding operations, then the device lifespan is extended, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process utilizes parameter changes, specifically varying the orientation and distribution of reinforcement fibers within the polymer matrix to optimize both durability and manufacturability. By controlling fiber alignment in specific patterns (e.g., unidirectional or cross-ply configurations), the support layer achieves enhanced resistance to folding-induced stresses while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing techniques. This approach extends device lifespan without imposing excessive precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support layer can be divided into multiple sub-layers with different fiber orientations and material compositions, each optimized for specific functional requirements. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing processes where each sub-layer can be produced and then assembled, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements while still achieving the desired durability and lifespan extension.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple sub-support layers with different fiber arrangements are stacked to enhance structural support, then the strength and stability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple sub-support layers, each containing reinforcement fibers arranged in different orientations (e.g., 0°, 90°, or ±45° angles). This segmentation provides enhanced stability and resistance to multi-directional stresses during folding operations. Each sub-layer can be manufactured using standardized processes, and the layers are then stacked and bonded together, which balances the stability improvement with manageable manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple sub-support layers are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural strength, preventing crack propagation, and maintaining flexibility. By using the same basic reinforcement fiber material (aramid or carbon fiber) across all sub-layers but varying the arrangement, the design achieves multi-functionality while simplifying the manufacturing process, as the same material processing techniques can be applied to each layer.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a display panel having a folding region, which is foldable with respect to a folding axis extending in one direction, and a first non-folding region and a second non-folding region spaced apart from each other with the folding region therebetween, and a lower member disposed below the display panel. The lower member includes a support layer disposed below the display panel, where the support layer includes a first support portion overlapping the first non-folding region, and a second support portion overlapping the second non-folding region, and a digitizer disposed below the display panel and corresponds to the first support portion and the second support portion. The first support portion and the second support portion each independently include a reinforcement fiber, where the reinforcement fiber includes an aramid fiber or includes a carbon fiber and a glass fiber.