Segmented, Variable-Thickness Support Structure for Rollable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rollable display devices face challenges in achieving both impact resistance and flexibility, as robust laminated structures compromise their rollability, while flexible structures are vulnerable to external impacts.
Innovation Solution
A support member with a plurality of support bars and a support layer is designed, where each support bar has varying thicknesses and materials, including metals or carbon fibers, to provide impact resistance and flexibility, with a coating layer having a higher modulus than the support layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a robust laminated structure is applied to improve impact resistance, then impact resistance is improved, but rollability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple support bars arranged in a matrix pattern, where each support bar is a separate element. This segmentation allows the structure to provide localized support for impact resistance while maintaining overall flexibility for rolling, as the individual bars can flex independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bars have non-uniform thickness distribution, with thicker regions providing enhanced impact resistance at critical locations and thinner regions allowing greater flexibility for rolling. This local variation in quality enables simultaneous achievement of both impact resistance and rollability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible laminated structure is applied to improve rollability, then rollability is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support member uses composite construction with support bars made of metal or carbon fiber materials that have high strength-to-weight ratios. This composite approach enables the structure to be flexible enough for rolling while maintaining sufficient impact resistance through the inherent strength of the composite materials.
3Strength
If support bar thickness is increased to improve impact resistance, then impact resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly increasing the thickness of all support bars, the invention applies varying thickness only at specific locations where impact resistance is most needed. This localized approach provides enhanced protection while minimizing the overall increase in structural complexity and material usage.
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 design enhances the impact resistance and rollability of flexible display devices, maintaining structural integrity and surface quality while facilitating easy deformation.
Implementation Method 1
each of the support bars may include a metal or a carbon fiber
Implementation Method 2
the support layer may include an elastic polymer
Implementation Method 3
the coating layer may have a modulus greater than that of the support layer and less than that of each of the support bars
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a display module rollable in a rolling direction, and a support member facing the display module and rollable together with the display module. The support member includes a plurality of support bars arranged along the rolling direction, and a support layer which is between the display module and the plurality of support bars. Each of the plurality of support bars includes first and second portions at opposing ends of the support bar, along a direction crossing the rolling direction, and a third support portion between the first and second support portions, connecting the first support portion to the second support portion, and corresponding to the display module, where a thickness of each of the first support portion and the second support portion is greater than a thickness of the third support portion.