FOLDABLE DISPLAY DEVICE

Smart overview of the Invention

The foldable display device is designed with a sequence of non-folding and folding areas: a first non-folding area, a first folding area, a second non-folding area, a second folding area, and a third non-folding area. These areas are arranged along the direction in which the device folds. A support substrate is placed beneath the display panel to provide structural support and contains multiple opening patterns. These patterns correspond to the folding areas and help to alleviate stress during the folding and unfolding processes, thereby minimizing potential damage to the device.

Technological Context

The development of foldable display devices is part of the broader trend towards flexible electronics that can handle large amounts of information while being lightweight and portable. These devices often use organic light-emitting displays (OLEDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs). Flexible displays, which can be bent or folded like paper, are gaining attention as next-generation technology due to their durability and versatility in design and space utilization. However, these devices face challenges related to stress concentration in folding areas, which can degrade display quality over time.

Innovative Features

The invention aims to enhance the durability of foldable display devices by addressing stress issues in folding areas. The device incorporates a display panel supported by a substrate with strategically designed opening patterns. These patterns have varying widths in different folding areas to manage stress distribution effectively. Specifically, the first folding area folds inwardly, while the second folds outwardly. The opening patterns are adjusted to increase strain capacity, thus reducing stress during multi-folding actions.

Impact Resistance Enhancement

To further improve impact resistance, the support substrate features a coating layer made from materials with excellent strain properties. This coating is thicker in regions subjected to greater stress, enhancing durability and reducing the likelihood of damage during folding. The design ensures that stress generated by multiple folds is distributed more evenly across the device, thereby protecting the display panel from strain-induced damage.

Design Flexibility and Implementation

The foldable display device's design allows for flexibility in application and integration with other technologies. Its structural components—such as sizes, shapes, and thicknesses—can be modified without compromising functionality. This adaptability makes it suitable for various electronic devices like smartphones and tablets. The described features are meant to provide insight into the potential applications of this technology while allowing for future innovations within its framework.