Variable Thickness Cover Window for Foldable Display Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices struggle to efficiently expand display areas while maintaining a compact electronic apparatus size, particularly in incorporating functional areas like keyboards within the display space.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a display panel with a first display area, a second display area including a keyboard area, and a folding display area, along with a cover window and base plate configuration that enhances structural reinforcement and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a display area is expanded to include functional areas like keyboard, then the display area increases, but the structural strength and durability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the thickness of the cover window across different functional areas. The first section (display area) has a first thickness, while the second section (keyboard area) has a second thickness greater than the first. This localized variation in thickness provides enhanced structural strength and durability specifically in the keyboard area where mechanical input occurs, while maintaining a thinner profile in the display area for flexibility and visual quality.
2Area of stationary object
If a folding structure is introduced to increase display area, then the display area expands, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cover window into multiple sections with different thicknesses - a first section corresponding to the display area and a second section corresponding to the keyboard area. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining an integrated overall structure, thereby managing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the folding structure complexity by transitioning from a two-dimensional planar cover window to a three-dimensional structure with varying thickness. The cover window extends in the thickness direction with different thickness values for different sections, adding a dimensional aspect that enables both display and keyboard functions within a single integrated component rather than requiring separate layers or assemblies.
3Strength
If the cover window thickness is increased for structural reinforcement, then the strength improves, but the flexibility and foldability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the cover window thickness location-dependent rather than uniform. The first section has a thinner design for flexibility and foldability, while the second section has a thicker design for strength and durability. This localized differentiation allows the overall structure to achieve both flexibility where needed and strength where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the cover window into functional zones with different thickness characteristics. The first section (display area) is segmented with a first thickness optimized for flexibility, while the second section (keyboard area) is segmented with a second thickness optimized for strength. This segmentation enables the cover window to exhibit different mechanical properties in different regions.
Data Source
AI summary
For a display device having reinforced structural characteristics and an electronic apparatus including the display device, the display device includes a display panel including a first display area, a second display area including a keyboard area, and a folding display area between the first display area and the second display area, a cover window arranged on a front surface of the display panel and including a first section and a second section, wherein the first section and the second section respectively overlap the first display area and the second display area on a plane, and a base plate arranged on a rear surface of the display panel, wherein a thickness of the second section of the cover window is greater than a thickness of the first section of the cover window.