Barrier Uneven Structure for Flexible OLED Encapsulation Peeling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The encapsulation layer in flexible OLED display panels easily peels off from the barrier due to poor bonding, leading to water and oxygen ingress and encapsulation failure.

Innovation Solution

An uneven structure is formed on the contact surface between the barrier and the encapsulation layer, increasing the roughness and bonding force, and preventing relative displacement and crack extension when the panel is bent.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thin film encapsulation layer is stacked on the barrier to improve water and oxygen resistance, then the encapsulation performance is improved, but the bonding between the encapsulation layer and barrier is poor causing peeling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencapsulation performanceVSAvoidbonding strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces an uneven structure with curved surfaces on the barrier surface instead of a flat surface. This curvature increases the contact area and mechanical interlocking between the barrier and encapsulation layer, preventing peeling while maintaining encapsulation performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The uneven structure creates local variations in surface properties at the barrier-encapsulation interface. By modifying only the contact surface with unevenness while keeping other areas unchanged, the bonding strength is enhanced locally without affecting the overall encapsulation structure or performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the encapsulation layer is bonded to the barrier, then encapsulation is achieved, but the encapsulation layer easily peels off forming passages for water and oxygen ingress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveencapsulation integrityVSAvoidwater and oxygen ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The uneven curved structure on the barrier surface prevents the formation of continuous passages by creating a mechanically interlocked interface. This curvature ensures that even under stress, the encapsulation layer remains adhered to the barrier, blocking water and oxygen ingress paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The uneven structure acts as a preventive measure before peeling can occur. By creating mechanical interlocking in advance through the uneven surface geometry, the structure cushions against peeling forces that may arise during device operation or environmental exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

Enhances the encapsulation reliability by reducing the likelihood of the encapsulation layer peeling off and preventing water and oxygen ingress, thereby improving the durability of the display panel.

Implementation Method 1

An uneven structure is formed on a surface of the barrier in contact with the encapsulation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface roughness:

Data Source

PatentUS10879490B2Display panel and display device including an uneven structure on a barrier
Publication Date: 2020.12.29 XIAMEN TIANMA MICRO ELECTRONICS
  • US10879490B2 patent drawing
  • US10879490B2 patent drawing
  • US10879490B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a display panel and a display device. The display panel includes: a base; a barrier, located on a side of the base and surrounding a display area of the display panel; and an encapsulation layer, located on a side of the barrier facing away from the base. An uneven structure is formed on a surface of the barrier in contact with the encapsulation layer.