Viscoelastic Passivation Layer for Flexible Display Impact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible display devices are vulnerable to external impacts due to their thin substrates, leading to potential device breakdown and reduced touch sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A flexible display apparatus is designed with a passivation layer containing viscoelastic fluid and a vessel unit, which disperses external impacts and maintains flexibility by exhibiting elasticity against instantaneous forces, while also improving touch sensitivity through strategic placement on the display panel surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a thin substrate is employed to manufacture flexible display, then flexibility and portability are improved, but vulnerability to external impact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidvulnerability to external impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a passivation layer containing viscoelastic fluid into the display structure before impact occurs. This layer acts as a cushion that absorbs and dissipates impact energy through its viscoelastic properties, protecting the thin substrate and internal components from damage while maintaining the overall flexibility of the display device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a thin substrate is employed to manufacture flexible display, then flexibility and portability are improved, but touch sensitivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidtouch sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The passivation layer with viscoelastic fluid serves as an intermediary between the touch panel and external environment. It transmits touch inputs effectively while filtering out harmful impact forces, thereby maintaining touch sensitivity without compromising the protection against external impacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enhances the durability of flexible displays against external impacts and maintains flexibility, while improving touch sensitivity by preventing deformation of touch panels under external forces.

Implementation Method 1

A flexible display apparatus includes a display panel and a passivation layer including a viscoelastic fluid and a vessel unit that contains the viscoelastic fluid therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

which disperses external impacts and maintains flexibility by exhibiting elasticity against instantaneous forces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

The viscoelastic fluid may be a non-Newtonian fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNon-Newtonian fluid behavior: Non-Newtonian Fluids

Data Source

PatentUS9173316B2Flexible display apparatus and method of manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2015.10.27 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A flexible display apparatus is disclosed. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a flexible display panel including a first surface, a second surface facing the first surface, and a side surface that connects the first surface and the second surface. The apparatus also includes a passivation layer that is disposed on at least one of the first surface, the second surface, and the side surface of the display panel and includes a viscoelastic fluid and a vessel unit that contains the viscoelastic fluid therein.