Segmented Inorganic Layer for Foldable Display Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face challenges in reducing reflectance while minimizing buckling or cracking when folded, as existing technologies do not effectively address the mechanical stress and adhesion issues in folding areas.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a light emitting element with an inorganic layer and a thin film encapsulation layer, where inorganic patterns are formed in the folding and edge areas to enhance adhesion, using materials like bismuth, ytterbium, nickel, and molybdenum oxide to reduce reflectance and improve mechanical strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a continuous inorganic layer is formed to reduce reflectance, then light reflection is reduced, but the layer becomes prone to buckling and cracking when folded
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous inorganic layer is divided into discrete inorganic patterns (such as grids, lines, or dots) arranged in specific configurations. This segmentation allows the layer to flex during folding without forming continuous stress paths that would cause buckling or cracking, while still providing sufficient reflectance control in the display areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic layer is applied selectively in different patterns across different regions of the display device. In folding areas, the inorganic patterns are designed with larger spacing or different geometries to accommodate mechanical stress, while in non-folding display areas, the inorganic layer provides continuous reflectance control. This local variation in structure optimizes both optical performance and mechanical reliability.
2Strength
If the inorganic layer is made thicker to improve mechanical strength, then buckling and cracking are reduced, but the device becomes less flexible and more prone to damage during folding
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the inorganic layer into patterns rather than using a continuous thick layer, the structure gains mechanical strength where needed (at the pattern locations) while maintaining flexibility in the spaces between patterns. This allows the device to fold repeatedly without compromising structural integrity or flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the inorganic layer is made thinner to improve flexibility, then folding is easier, but the layer becomes more susceptible to buckling and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the thin inorganic layer into discrete patterns prevents the formation of continuous weak paths that would lead to buckling and cracking. The patterned structure distributes mechanical stress across multiple isolated points rather than along continuous lines, significantly improving resistance to folding-induced damage while maintaining the flexibility benefits of a thin layer.
4Reliability
If inorganic patterns are added to enhance adhesion, then buckling and cracking are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the inorganic layer into patterns inherently creates increased surface area and discontinuities that enhance adhesion to underlying and overlying layers. This segmentation approach simultaneously achieves both mechanical reliability (by preventing buckling and cracking) and adhesion improvement without requiring additional complex structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The inorganic patterns serve multiple functions: they control reflectance in display areas, enhance mechanical strength by distributing stress, improve adhesion through increased surface area and discontinuities, and maintain flexibility through their spaced arrangement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural elements, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 minimizes buckling and cracking in folding areas by enhancing adhesion between the inorganic layer and the thin film encapsulation layer, maintaining display quality and durability even with repeated folding.
Implementation Method 1
An inorganic layer may be disposed on the light emitting element... A refractive index of the inorganic layer may be greater than or equal to about 1.0. An extinction coefficient of the inorganic layer may be less than or equal to about 4.0.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a first area, a second area, and a bending area between the first area and the second area, a light emitting element, an inorganic layer disposed on the light emitting element, and a thin film encapsulation layer disposed on the inorganic layer. The inorganic layer includes a first inorganic pattern in the bending area.