Segmented Main Circuit Board for Foldable Display Stress Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

In foldable or curved display devices, the flexible printed circuit board connecting the main circuit board and the display panel can become distorted due to the curved structure, potentially damaging the driving circuit.

Innovation Solution

The main circuit board is designed with cut-away portions and bending lines that allow it to be inwardly or outwardly bent, reducing tensile force and stress, thereby preventing distortion of the flexible printed circuit board and protecting the circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the main circuit board is curved to match the display panel, then the display device achieves a curved shape, but the flexible printed circuit board becomes distorted and circuits may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurved shapeVSAvoidcircuit integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The main circuit board is divided into multiple segments (first main segment, second main segment, and first sub-segment) that can be independently bent along different bending lines. This segmentation allows each segment to accommodate the curved shape of the display panel while distributing the mechanical stress, preventing distortion of the flexible printed circuit board and protecting the circuits from damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the main circuit board is made rigid to maintain structural stability, then the display panel curvature is maintained, but the flexible printed circuit board experiences tensile force and distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtensile force on flexible printed circuit board
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The main circuit board is designed with bending lines that allow specific segments to dynamically adjust their position and curvature. The first main segment can be bent inwardly along the first bending line, and the second main segment can be bent outwardly along the second bending line, enabling the structure to adapt to the curved display panel while maintaining overall stability and reducing harmful tensile forces on the flexible printed circuit board.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If the main circuit board is bent to follow the display panel curvature, then the display device achieves a curved form, but stress concentrates at certain points causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurved formVSAvoidstress concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Different segments of the main circuit board are assigned different bending characteristics and directions. The first main segment is bent inwardly along the first bending line, while the second main segment is bent outwardly along the second bending line. This local differentiation of bending behavior distributes the stress throughout the structure rather than concentrating it at single points, preventing potential damage while achieving the desired curved form.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10575403B2Display device
Publication Date: 2020.02.25 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US10575403B2 patent drawing
  • US10575403B2 patent drawing
  • US10575403B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel, a main circuit board facing a rear surface of the display panel and including a first main segment, a second main segment, and a first sub-segment disposed between the first main segment and the second main segment, and flexible printed circuit boards which electrically connects the display panel and the main circuit board. A first cut-away portion is defined between the first main segment and the second main segment, the first main segment is bent along a first bending line defining a boundary between the first main segment and the first sub-segment, and the second main segment is bent along a second bending line defining a boundary between the second main segment and the first sub-segment.