Resilient Functional Layer for Foldable Display Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible OLED display modules suffer from irreversible deformation and functional failure due to softening and permanent deformation under long-term stress, especially in high-temperature environments, making it difficult for foldable display modules to return to a flat shape after bending.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display cover plate with a resilient functional layer, comprising a flexible substrate with non-bendable and bendable portions, where the resilient metal layer is located on the non-display area and covered by a resilient filling layer, enhancing the module's resilience and ability to recover to a flat shape after bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible polymer materials are used for the display module, then flexibility and bendability are improved, but the module softens and permanently deforms under long-term stress, especially in high-temperature environments

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoiddimensional stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a flexible substrate and a resilient functional layer. The flexible substrate provides the necessary bendability, while the resilient functional layer (comprising resilient metal layers and resilient filling layers) compensates for the dimensional instability of the flexible polymer materials, preventing permanent deformation under thermal and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a resilient functional layer with specific mechanical properties (resilience, elastic modulus) that differ from the flexible substrate. This layer undergoes elastic deformation during bending and recovery, dynamically adjusting the stress distribution to maintain dimensional stability while preserving flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the display module is bent repeatedly, then foldable functionality is achieved, but the module produces irreversible deformation and functional fracture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoldable functionalityVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient functional layer acts as a pre-configured protective structure that absorbs and distributes stress during bending operations. This layer prevents stress concentration at critical locations, cushioning the flexible substrate against irreversible deformation and functional fracture during repeated folding cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses thin film structures for both the flexible substrate and the resilient functional layer. These thin films are designed to be sufficiently flexible to allow repeated bending while maintaining structural integrity, with the resilient layer providing the necessary mechanical support during deformation cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the resilient metal layer is placed on the non-display area, then resilience is improved without affecting display quality, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecovery capabilityVSAvoidlayer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resilient functional layer is strategically positioned on the non-display area of the flexible substrate. This localized placement provides the necessary resilience and recovery capability where it is most needed (during folding operations) while avoiding interference with the display quality in the display area, thus optimizing the balance between functionality and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 significantly improves the bending reliability and recovery capability of the flexible display cover plate, ensuring the foldable display module can reliably return to a flat shape without functional fracture, even under high-temperature conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient functional layer for resilience of the bendable portion is arranged on the flexible substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11189198B2Flexible display cover plate, preparation method thereof, and foldable display apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

A flexible display cover plate, a preparation method thereof and a foldable display apparatus are provided. The flexible display cover plate includes a flexible substrate, wherein the flexible substrate includes a plurality of non-bendable portions and at least one bendable portion, the bendable portion is connected between adjacent non-bendable portions, a resilient functional layer for resilience of the bendable portion is arranged on the flexible substrate, and the resilient functional layer covers at least part of the bendable portion.