Roller Display Panel Stress Reduction via Buffer Springs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in minimizing damage and maintaining flatness when the flexible display panel is rolled or unrolled, leading to stress concentration and potential lifespan reduction.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a roller with supporters having specific height and thickness ratios, adhesive members, and openings to minimize stress and maintain flatness, while also supporting the cable and reducing material costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the flexible display panel is rolled or unrolled, then the display device can be folded or unfolded, but stress concentration and potential damage to the display panel occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoldable/unfoldable capabilityVSAvoiddisplay panel durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a buffering structure comprising a buffer plate and buffer spring between the display panel and roller. The buffer spring is pre-compressed to store elastic potential energy, creating a cushioning effect that absorbs stress during rolling and unrolling operations. This beforehand cushioning prevents stress concentration on the display panel, thereby maintaining panel durability while enabling foldable functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Area of stationary object

If the display panel is spread, then the display area is visible, but the display panel may bend and lose flatness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidpanel flatness

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a support plate structure that is pre-positioned behind the display panel to maintain its flatness. The support plate includes support protrusions that correspond to the display panel's back surface features, providing preliminary support to prevent bending when the panel is spread. This preliminary structural support ensures the panel maintains its intended shape while the full display area is visible.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Volume of moving object

If the display panel is made flexible to enable rolling, then the display device can be compacted, but the panel becomes more susceptible to damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompacted sizeVSAvoidpanel resistance to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary buffering structure consisting of a buffer plate and buffer spring system between the flexible display panel and the roller. This intermediary structure mediates the mechanical stress during rolling and unrolling operations. The buffer spring acts as a shock absorber, reducing the direct impact forces on the flexible panel, thereby protecting it from damage while still allowing the panel to be rolled into a compact form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3757978B1Display device

Publication Date: 2022.12.14 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

A display device includes a roller, and a display module wound around the roller or unwound from the roller. The display module includes a display panel, and a plurality of supporters disposed at a rear portion of the display panel while expending in a horizontal direction and supporting the display panel. Each supporter has a height 0.1-0.6 times greater than a radius of the roller.