DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Priority
Acknowledgment is made of applicant’s claim for foreign priority under 35 U.S.C. 119 (a)-(d).
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on 07/29/2022 has been considered by the examiner.
Specification
The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claim(s) 1, 4-7, and 9-10 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cao et al. (US 20210151697 A1, and hereinafter “Cao”), in view of Choi et al. (US 20240015904 A1, and hereinafter “Choi”).
Regarding claim 1, Cao teaches a support plate (Fig. 1, Abstract, [0042-0043] : support structure for a flexible display), comprising a support body (Fig. 1, [0042-0046] : support structure including deformation compensation region A1, primary bending region A2, fixed region C) comprising at least one bending area (Fig. 1, [0042-0046] : support structure including deformation compensation region A1, and primary bending region A2), wherein the bending area comprises a plurality of stress relief members disposed in an array (Fig. 1, [0042-0046] : support structure including deformation compensation region A1, primary bending region A2 include hollowed-out patterns arranged in an array).
Cao does not teach every four adjacent stress relief members enclose a stress relief region, and each of the stress relief members comprises:
a first stress relief part comprising a first physical part and a second physical part that are integrally disposed and are centrally symmetrical with respect to each other; and
a second stress relief part intersected with the first stress relief part, wherein when the second stress relief part is rotated by a preset angle around a center of symmetry of the first stress relief part, the second stress relief part overlaps with the first stress relief part.
However, Choi teaches every four adjacent stress relief members (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : portions of components LP1 and LP2 of stress control layer SRL represented by the first physical part, second physical part, and second stress relief member in the Annotated Figure. 1 below) enclose a stress relief region (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : every four portions of components LP1, and LP2 encloses an opening OP), and each of the stress relief members comprises:
a first stress relief part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : second component LP2) comprising a first physical part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : first physical part) and a second physical part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : second physical part) that are integrally disposed and are centrally symmetrical with respect to each other (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : first physical part and second physical part are integrally disposed and are centrally symmetrical with respect to each other); and
a second stress relief part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : second stress relief part) intersected with the first stress relief part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : first component LP1 and second component LP2 intersects), wherein when the second stress relief part is rotated by a preset angle around a center of symmetry of the first stress relief part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : second component LP2 is rotated by a preset angle around a center of symmetry of the first component LP1), the second stress relief part overlaps with the first stress relief part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : second component LP2 overlaps with the first component LP1).
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate stress relief members as taught by Choi into Cao’s support plate by modifying the shape of the supporting structure forming the hollowed-out patterns in the primary bending region and the deformation compensation region. The suggestion / motivation for doing so would be to reduce stress due to mechanical deformation, and preventing the bending occurring from other portions from being transferred ([0026-0027] of Choi).
Regarding claim 4, Cao as modified by Choi teaches the support plate according to claim 1, wherein a number of the bending area is two (Fig. 9, [0042-0046], [0077-0078] of Cao : support structure including first deformation compensation region A1, primary bending region A2, and second deformation compensation region B1, second primary bending region B2), and bending axes of the two bending areas intersect at a first included angle (Fig. 9, [0042-0046], [0077-0078] of Cao : support structure including first deformation compensation region A1, primary bending region A2, and second deformation compensation region B1, second primary bending region B2 intersect at a first included angle).
Regarding claim 5, Cao as modified by Choi teaches the support plate according to claim 4, wherein the first included angle is equal to the preset angle (Fig. 9, [0042-0046], [0077-0078] of Cao, and Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] of Choi : support structure including first deformation compensation region A1, primary bending region A2, and second deformation compensation region B1, second primary bending region B2 intersect at 90 degrees, and first component LP1 and second component LP2 has a preset angle of 90 degrees).
Regarding claim 6, Cao as modified by Choi teaches the support plate according to claim 5.
Cao as modified by Choi does not teach wherein an included angle between the bending axis of one bending area and the centerline of the first stress relief part is equal to an included angle between the bending axis of the other bending area and the centerline of the first stress relief part.
However, Cao also teaches wherein an included angle between the bending axis of one bending area and the centerline of the first stress relief part is equal to an included angle between the bending axis of the other bending area and the centerline of the first stress relief part (Fig. 4-5, [0042-0046], [0058-0062] : the hollowed out patterns of holes 11 and 12 in Fig. 4 can be in the direction parallel or orthogonal to the bending axis of the support structure, or the hollowed out patterns of holes 13 and 14 in Fig. 5 can be in the direction that is 45 degrees from the bending axis of the support structure).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the included angle between the bending axis of the bending areas and the first stress relief part as taught by Cao into Cao and Choi combination’s support plate by modifying and rotating the components by 45 degrees. The suggestion / motivation for doing so would be to relieve the bending stress due of the support plate in the bending direction and the non-bending direction ([0062] of Cao). Additionally, substituting one bending relief pattern with another bending relief pattern is known as evidence by Cao such that it would be a mere obvious selection of an art recognized equivalence for the same purpose (MPEP §2144.06).
Regarding claim 7, Cao as modified by Choi teaches the support plate according to claim 1, wherein the first physical part is a fan ring comprising two concentric arcs (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] of Choi : first physical part is a fan ring comprising two concentric arcs).
Regarding claim 9, Cao as modified by Choi teaches the support plate according to claim 1, wherein the stress relief region is formed by four adjacent stress relief members disposed end to end in sequence (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] of Choi : opening OP is formed by four adjacent portions of components LP1 and LP2 deposed end to end in sequence).
Regarding claim 10, Cao as modified by Choi teaches the support plate according to claim 9, wherein the stress relief region is a hollow structure (Fig. 4, [0042-0046], [0058-0062] of Cao, and Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] of Choi : hollowed-out holes 11 are hollow structures, and openings OP is are hollow structures).
Claim(s) 2-3 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cao and Choi combination as applied above, in view of Wang et al. (US 20220147107 A1, and hereinafter “Wang”).
Regarding claim 2, Cao as modified by Choi teaches the support plate according to claim 1.
Cao as modified by Choi does not teach wherein a number of the bending area is two, and bending axes of the two bending areas are parallel.
However, Wang teaches wherein a number of the bending area is two (Fig. 6A, [0092-0094] : two patterned regions 03), and bending axes of the two bending areas are parallel (Fig. 6A, [0092-0094] : the bending axis of the two patterned regions 03 are parallel).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the second bending area as taught by Wang into Cao and Choi combination’s support plate by adding a second deformation compensation region, and a second primary bending region. The suggestion / motivation for doing so would be to provide adequate stress relief based on the bending needs of the support and magnitude of bending stress on the support ([0092-0094] of Wang). Additionally, having multiple bending areas is known as evidence by Wang such that it would be a mere duplication of parts (MPEP §2144.04)
Regarding claim 3, Cao as modified by Choi and Wang teaches the support plate according to claim 2, wherein the preset angle is 90 degrees (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] of Choi : second component LP2 is rotated by a preset angle of 90 degrees around a center of symmetry of the first component LP1).
Cao as modified by Choi and Wang does not teach and an included angle between a centerline of the first stress relief part and the bending axis of any bending areas is 45 degrees.
However, Cao also teaches and an included angle between a centerline of the first stress relief part and the bending axis of any bending areas is 45 degrees (Fig. 4-5, [0042-0046], [0058-0062] : the hollowed out patterns of holes 11 and 12 in Fig. 4 can be in the direction parallel or orthogonal to the bending axis of the support structure, or the hollowed out patterns of holes 13 and 14 in Fig. 5 can be in the direction that is 45 degrees from the bending axis of the support structure).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the included angle between a centerline of the first stress relief part and the bending axis of any bending area is 45 degrees as taught by Cao into Cao, Choi, and Wang combination’s support plate by modifying and rotating the components by 45 degrees. The suggestion / motivation for doing so would be to relieve the bending stress due of the support plate in the bending direction and the non-bending direction ([0062] of Cao). Additionally, substituting one bending relief pattern with another bending relief pattern is known as evidence by Cao such that it would be a mere obvious selection of an art recognized equivalence for the same purpose (MPEP §2144.06).
Claim(s) 8 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cao and Choi combination as applied above, in view of Lee (US 20190204872 A1, and hereinafter “Lee”).
Regarding claim 8, Cao as modified by Choi teaches the support plate according to claim 1.
Cao as modified by Choi does not teach wherein an intersection of the first stress relief part and the second stress relief part comprises a plurality of arc chamfers.
However, Lee teaches wherein an intersection of the first stress relief part and the second stress relief part comprises a plurality of arc chamfers (Fig. 12, [0085-0089] : pattern H8 of buffer member 208 has arc chamfers).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the arc chamfers as taught by Lee into Cao and Choi combination’s support plate by adding the arc chamfers to the first and second components. The suggestion / motivation for doing so would be to alleviate the tensile stress at the support plate ([0048-0052] of Lee). Additionally, substituting one bending relief pattern with another bending relief pattern is known as evidence by Lee such that it would be a mere obvious selection of an art recognized equivalence for the same purpose (MPEP §2144.06).
Claim(s) 11-12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cao and Choi combination as applied above, in view of Kim et al. (US 20190036068 A1, and hereinafter “Kim”).
Regarding claim 11, Cao as modified by Choi teaches the support plate according to claim 9.
Cao as modified by Choi does not teach wherein the stress relief region is a groove structure, and a ratio of a depth of the groove structure to a thickness of the support body is 1/2 to 4/5.
However, Kim teaches wherein the stress relief region is a groove structure (Fig. 8A-8B, [0152] : slits 202 groove with partial thickness P1 or be hollow), and a ratio of a depth of the groove structure to a thickness of the support body is 1/2 to 4/5 (Fig. 8A-8B, [0152] : ratio of a depth of the slits 202, and body 200a is greater than 0.5 and less than or equal to 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate groove structure as taught by Kim into Cao and Choi combination’s support plate by modifying the holes to have partial depth. The suggestion / motivation for doing so would be to achieve the desired balance of flexibility and stiffness for the support plate ([0152-0153] of Kim). Additionally, substituting a stress relief region with a through hole with a stress relief region with a partial hole is known as evidence by Kim such that it would be a mere obvious selection of an art recognized equivalence for the same purpose (MPEP §2144.06).
Regarding claim 12, Cao as modified by Choi and Kim teaches the support plate according to claim 11, wherein the depth of the groove structure is 30 μm to 100 μm (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] of Choi : thickness of line pattern LP is between 5 μm and 150 μm).
Claim(s) 13-17, and 19-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cao et al. (US 20210151697 A1, and hereinafter “Cao”), in view of Wang et al. (US 20220147107 A1, and hereinafter “Wang”), and in further view of Choi et al. (US 20240015904 A1, and hereinafter “Choi”).
Regarding claim 13, Cao teaches a display panel (Fig. 1, Abstract, [0042-0043] : support structure for a flexible display panel), comprising:
a support plate (Fig. 1, Abstract, [0042-0043] : support structure for a flexible display panel) comprising a support body (Fig. 1, [0042-0046] : support structure including deformation compensation region A1, primary bending region A2, fixed region C) comprising at least one bending area (Fig. 1, [0042-0046] : support structure including deformation compensation region A1, and primary bending region A2), wherein the bending area comprises a plurality of stress relief members disposed in an array (Fig. 1, [0042-0046] : support structure including deformation compensation region A1, primary bending region A2 include hollowed-out patterns arranged in an array).
Cao does not teach a display panel main body comprising a light-emitting surface and a backlight surface opposite to the light-emitting surface; and
a support plate disposed on the backlight surface of the display panel main body, every four adjacent stress relief members enclose a stress relief region, and each of the stress relief members comprises:
a first stress relief part comprising a first physical part and a second physical part that are integrally disposed and are centrally symmetrical with respect to each other; and
a second stress relief part intersected with the first stress relief part, wherein when the second stress relief part is rotated by a preset angle around a center of symmetry of the first stress relief part, the second stress relief part overlaps with the first stress relief part.
However, Wang teaches a display panel main body comprising a light-emitting surface (Fig. 3, [0072-0075] : display substrate 21 and first base 210 of flexible display panel 2 includes plurality of light-emitting devices) and a backlight surface (Fig. 1, [0067-0070] : backlight module) opposite to the light-emitting surface (Fig. 1, [0067-0070] : backlight module is between the flexible display panel 2 and the support plate 1); and
a support plate (Fig. 1, [0067-0070] : support plate 1) disposed on the backlight surface of the display panel main body (Fig. 1, [0067-0070] : backlight module is between the flexible display panel 2 and the support plate 1).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the backlight surface as taught by Wang into Cao’s display panel by adding the backlight module between the display panel and the support structure. The suggestion / motivation for doing so would be to provide a light source for the flexible display panel ([0070] of Wang).
Cao as modified by Wang does not teach every four adjacent stress relief members enclose a stress relief region, and each of the stress relief members comprises:
a first stress relief part comprising a first physical part and a second physical part that are integrally disposed and are centrally symmetrical with respect to each other; and
a second stress relief part intersected with the first stress relief part, wherein when the second stress relief part is rotated by a preset angle around a center of symmetry of the first stress relief part, the second stress relief part overlaps with the first stress relief part.
However, Choi teaches every four adjacent stress relief members enclose a stress relief region (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : portions of components LP1 and LP2 of stress control layer SRL represented by the first physical part, second physical part, and second stress relief member in the Annotated Figure. 1 below), and each of the stress relief members comprises:
a first stress relief part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : second component LP2) comprising a first physical part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : first physical part) and a second physical part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : second physical part) that are integrally disposed and are centrally symmetrical with respect to each other (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : first physical part and second physical part are integrally disposed and are centrally symmetrical with respect to each other); and
a second stress relief part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : second stress relief part) intersected with the first stress relief part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : first component LP1 and second component LP2 intersects), wherein when the second stress relief part is rotated by a preset angle around a center of symmetry of the first stress relief part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : second component LP2 is rotated by a preset angle around a center of symmetry of the first component LP1), the second stress relief part overlaps with the first stress relief part (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] : second component LP2 overlaps with the first component LP1).
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate stress relief members as taught by Choi into Cao and Wang combination’s display panel by modifying the shape of the supporting structure forming the hollowed-out patterns in the primary bending region and the deformation compensation region. The suggestion / motivation for doing so would be to reduce stress due to mechanical deformation, and preventing the bending occurring from other portions from being transferred ([0026-0027] of Choi).
Regarding claim 14, Cao as modified by Wang and Choi teaches the display panel according to claim 13, wherein a number of the bending area is two (Fig. 9, [0042-0046], [0077-0078] of Cao : support structure including first deformation compensation region A1, primary bending region A2, and second deformation compensation region B1, second primary bending region B2), and bending axes of the two bending areas intersect at a first included angle (Fig. 9, [0042-0046], [0077-0078] of Cao : support structure including first deformation compensation region A1, primary bending region A2, and second deformation compensation region B1, second primary bending region B2 intersect at a first included angle).
Regarding claim 15, Cao as modified by Wang and Choi teaches the display panel according to claim 14, wherein the first included angle is equal to the preset angle (Fig. 9, [0042-0046], [0077-0078] of Cao, and Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] of Choi : support structure including first deformation compensation region A1, primary bending region A2, and second deformation compensation region B1, second primary bending region B2 intersect at 90 degrees, and first component LP1 and second component LP2 has a preset angle of 90 degrees).
Regarding claim 16, Cao as modified by Wang and Choi teaches the display panel according to claim 15.
Cao as modified by Wang and Choi does not teach wherein an included angle between the bending axis of one bending area and the centerline of the first stress relief part is equal to an included angle between the bending axis of the other bending area and the centerline of the first stress relief part.
However, Cao also teaches wherein an included angle between the bending axis of one bending area and the centerline of the first stress relief part is equal to an included angle between the bending axis of the other bending area and the centerline of the first stress relief part (Fig. 4-5, [0042-0046], [0058-0062] : the hollowed out patterns of holes 11 and 12 in Fig. 4 can be in the direction parallel or orthogonal to the bending axis of the support structure, or the hollowed out patterns of holes 13 and 14 in Fig. 5 can be in the direction that is 45 degrees from the bending axis of the support structure).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the included angle between the bending axis of the bending areas and the first stress relief part as taught by Cao into Cao, Wang, and Choi combination’s support plate by modifying and rotating the components by 45 degrees. The suggestion / motivation for doing so would be to relieve the bending stress due of the support plate in the bending direction and the non-bending direction ([0062] of Cao). Additionally, substituting one bending relief pattern with another bending relief pattern is known as evidence by Cao such that it would be a mere obvious selection of an art recognized equivalence for the same purpose (MPEP §2144.06).
Regarding claim 17, Cao as modified by Wang and Choi teaches the display panel according to claim 13, wherein the first physical part is a fan ring comprising two concentric arcs (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] of Choi : first physical part is a fan ring comprising two concentric arcs).
Regarding claim 19, Cao as modified by Wang and Choi teaches the display panel according to claim 13, wherein the stress relief region is formed by four adjacent stress relief members disposed end to end in sequence (Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] of Choi : opening OP is formed by four adjacent portions of components LP1 and LP2 deposed end to end in sequence)..
Regarding claim 20, Cao as modified by Wang and Choi teaches The display panel according to claim 19, wherein the stress relief region is a hollow structure (Fig. 4, [0042-0046], [0058-0062] of Cao, and Fig. 6, [0066-0067], [0075-0078] of Choi : hollowed-out holes 11 are hollow structures, and openings OP is are hollow structures).
Claim(s) 18 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Cao, Wang, and Choi combination as applied above, in view of Lee (US 20190204872 A1, and hereinafter “Lee”).
Regarding claim 18, Cao as modified by Wang and Choi teaches the display panel according to claim 13.
Cao as modified by Wang and Choi does not teach wherein an intersection of the first stress relief part and the second stress relief part comprises a plurality of arc chamfers.
However, Lee teaches wherein an intersection of the first stress relief part and the second stress relief part comprises a plurality of arc chamfers (Fig. 12, [0085-0089] : pattern H8 of buffer member 208 has arc chamfers).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to incorporate the arc chamfers as taught by Lee into Cao, Wang, and Choi combination’s support plate by adding the arc chamfers to the first and second components. The suggestion / motivation for doing so would be to alleviate the tensile stress at the support plate ([0048-0052] of Lee). Additionally, substituting one bending relief pattern with another bending relief pattern is known as evidence by Lee such that it would be a mere obvious selection of an art recognized equivalence for the same purpose (MPEP §2144.06).
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to KEON KIM whose telephone number is (703)756-4580. The examiner can normally be reached Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Allen L Parker can be reached on 303-297-4722. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/ALLEN L PARKER/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2841
/KEON NMN KIM/Examiner, Art Unit 2841