Shear Thickening Material Layer for Flexible Display Edge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Second generation flexible foldable display devices with integrated cover plates made of layered structures like polymer and ultra-thin glass suffer from poor impact resistance due to crack propagation at the edges, leading to potential failure upon impact.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cover plate with a shear thickening material layer is applied over the edges of a layered structure main body, which increases viscosity under shear stress, providing instantaneous hardness to prevent crack generation and propagation, and is manufactured by laminating optical, adhesive, and reinforcing layers with a coating process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a layered structure (polymer and ultra-thin glass) is used for the integrated cover plate, then the display device achieves flexibility and thinness, but the impact resistance deteriorates due to crack propagation at edges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining polymer layers, ultra-thin glass layers, and shear thickening material layers to create an integrated cover plate. The shear thickening material serves as a protective composite that enhances impact resistance while maintaining the flexibility and thinness characteristics of the underlying layered structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear thickening material is applied specifically to edge regions of the integrated cover plate where cracks typically propagate. This localized application provides enhanced protection at critical areas without unnecessarily complicating the entire structure, addressing the contradiction between strength improvement and device complexity.
2Strength
If edge protection is added to prevent crack propagation, then impact resistance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shear thickening material exhibits parameter changes in its viscosity response to impact forces. Under normal conditions, it remains in a low-viscosity state that allows for simple coating and manufacturing processes. Upon impact, it transitions to a high-viscosity state that provides edge protection, thus improving strength without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear thickening material layer serves as a sacrificial protective element that can be applied as a relatively simple coating. While it provides significant edge protection, the layer itself is designed to be replaceable if damaged, simplifying the overall manufacturing approach compared to integrating complex structural reinforcements.
3Reliability
If traditional protective structures are used, then impact resistance is limited, but real-time protection during non-operating states requires power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The shear thickening material provides self-service protection by automatically transitioning from a low-viscosity to high-viscosity state in response to impact forces. This passive response mechanism eliminates the need for power consumption or active control systems, achieving reliable real-time protection during non-operating states without energy expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear thickening material utilizes phase transition between low-viscosity and high-viscosity states in response to applied stress. During normal operation, the material remains in a fluid-like low-viscosity state. Upon impact, it transitions to a solid-like high-viscosity state, providing instantaneous protection without requiring power or signal drive.
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 integrated cover plate offers enhanced impact resistance and anti-vibration protection without the need for power or signal drive, ensuring real-time protection during non-operating states and transportation, while reducing manufacturing costs and improving yield.
Implementation Method 1
a viscosity of the shear thickening material layer increases with an increase of a target value, wherein the target value includes a shear rate and a shear stress
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an integrated cover plate. The integrated cover plate includes a main body and a shear thickening material layer. The main body includes a plurality of layered structures that are laminated, wherein the main body is provided with a facade formed by laminating side surfaces of the plurality of layered structures in the thickness direction, the shear thickening material layer covers at least part of the facade of the main body, and a viscosity of the shear thickening material layer increases with an increase of a shear rate and a shear stress.