FOLDABLE ELECTRONIC DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING HIGH-DENSITY OLED ARRAY WITH TRANSPARENT REGION

Smart overview of the Invention

The foldable electronic display device features a layered monolithic sheet structure with a rectangular shape and rounded corners, maintaining a thickness under 1.5 mm. The outer surface is smooth, integrating a first optically transparent layer with a Young's modulus of at least 1 GPa, a second transparent or translucent layer, and a third opaque heat-conductive layer. A high-density pixel array of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) forms the light-emitting region, achieving a density of at least 300 pixels per inch over a dimension of 10-30 centimeters.

Pixel Array Composition

The pixel array consists of over one million individually addressable OLEDs, each containing red, green, and blue components sized between 1 to 300 micrometers. This array covers more than 90% of the device area, ensuring vibrant and detailed visual output. Adhesive layers are strategically placed on either side of the OLED array to maintain structural integrity and flexibility.

Foldability and Transparency

A notable feature is the longitudinal fold area, which allows repetitive folding with a radius of curvature ranging from 1 to 5 mm. This design includes at least one transparent region, enhancing the device's versatility for various applications requiring both flexibility and clarity.

Applications and Methods

The invention pertains to compact solid-state illumination devices using LEDs or laser diodes, applicable in wide-area LED illumination panels. These panels can be integrated into systems like lighting fixtures, electronic displays, signs, and automotive lights. The method involves using flexible sheets for encapsulating LEDs with good thermal contact and applying a flexible encapsulation sheet to protect the LEDs while maintaining flexibility.

Illustrative Drawings

The accompanying drawings provide visual insights into the device's configurations, such as curved shapes and laminated structures onto heat sinks. Various designs illustrate flexible encapsulation layers in different states of bending and flexing. These visual aids highlight the device's adaptability in both planar and curved configurations.