Stretchable Panel Structure for Stress-Stable Pixel Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stretchable panels experience structural and functional deformation and damage due to stress concentration during stretching, compromising their flexibility and stretchability.
Innovation Solution
A stretchable panel design incorporating a stretchable substrate with a non-stretchable pattern and an elastic structure, featuring pixel circuits with separate stretchable and non-stretchable regions, and connection electrodes to distribute stress evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the panel is made fully stretchable to ensure flexibility, then flexibility and stretchability are improved, but stress concentration during stretching causes structural and functional deformation and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The panel employs different elastic moduli in different regions: the first elastomer provides stretchability in specific regions, while the second elastomer with higher elastic modulus provides structural support in other regions. This local differentiation allows the panel to be stretchable where needed while maintaining structural integrity where support is required, preventing stress concentration damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel uses a composite structure combining two different elastomers with distinct elastic moduli. The first elastomer (lower elastic modulus) enables stretching, while the second elastomer (higher elastic modulus) provides structural stability. This composite material approach allows the panel to simultaneously achieve flexibility and structural reliability during stretching operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rigid structures are used to maintain structural stability, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and stretchability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire panel rigid, the invention applies rigid structural elements (second elastomer with higher elastic modulus) only in specific regions where structural support is needed, while leaving other regions composed of the first elastomer to maintain stretchability. This localized approach provides structural stability without compromising overall flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the elastic modulus parameter spatially across the panel structure. By using a second elastomer with higher elastic modulus in specific regions, the panel achieves localized structural stability while the first elastomer with lower elastic modulus maintains flexibility in other areas, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If stress is concentrated in a specific region during stretching, then stretching is enabled, but structural and functional deformation and damage occur in that region
Solution Approach 1:
The panel design assigns different mechanical properties to different regions: the first elastomer with lower elastic modulus is positioned in regions intended for stretching to accommodate deformation, while the second elastomer with higher elastic modulus is positioned in regions requiring structural support to resist stress concentration. This spatial differentiation of material properties prevents damage by ensuring stress is distributed appropriately across regions with suitable mechanical characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
By combining two elastomers with different elastic moduli in a composite structure, the panel creates a system where stress during stretching is distributed to both materials according to their respective mechanical properties. The first elastomer accommodates stretching deformation while the second elastomer provides structural reinforcement, preventing stress concentration damage that would occur in a uniform material structure.
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
Enhances stretch stability by reducing deformation and damage while maintaining flexibility and stretchability, allowing for foldable, bendable, or rollable applications.
Implementation Method 1
a stretchable substrate including a first elastomer having a first elastic modulus... an elastic structure... including a second elastomer having a third elastic modulus
Data Source
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AI summary
A stretchable panel includes a stretchable substrate including a first elastomer having a first elastic modulus, a non-stretchable pattern covering a portion of the stretchable substrate and including a particular material that includes an organic, inorganic, or organic-inorganic material, the particular material having a second elastic modulus higher than the first elastic modulus, a plurality of unit elements arranged on the non-stretchable pattern, a plurality of pixel circuits configured to independently operate separate, respective unit elements, a connection electrode configured to electrically connect each of the unit elements and each of the pixel circuits, and an elastic structure overlapped with an edge portion of the non-stretchable pattern along a thickness direction of the stretchable substrate and comprising a second elastomer having a third elastic modulus higher than the first elastic modulus and lower than the second elastic modulus, and an electronic device including the same.