Under-Display Camera Hole Crack Barrier for OLED Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of holes in display panels for accommodating cameras and sensors leads to optical interference and potential substrate cracks, which can cause moisture penetration and degrade the display's functionality, particularly affecting organic light-emitting elements.
Innovation Solution
A crack detection structure is implemented around the camera hole, comprising dams and a crack detection unit to prevent crack propagation and moisture/oxygen penetration, along with a prevention structure to block the organic common layer, ensuring the display's integrity and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If holes are formed in the display panel for cameras and sensors, then the bezel area is reduced and display area is maximized, but optical interference occurs and substrate cracks may generate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming a crack prevention structure (including a first prevention structure and a second prevention structure) around the camera hole area before the laser cutting process. This preventive structure is designed to stop cracks from propagating from the camera hole toward the display area, addressing the substrate integrity issue before it occurs during the cutting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - a crack prevention structure consisting of multiple layers (including inorganic insulating films and organic insulating films) positioned between the camera hole area and the display area. This intermediary structure acts as a barrier that prevents crack propagation while allowing the display area to maintain its integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If laser cutting is used to remove substrate at camera hole area, then hole formation is achieved, but cracks may be generated due to accumulated thermal energy
Solution Approach 1:
The crack prevention structure is formed in advance before the laser cutting process. The first prevention structure (including inorganic insulating films) and second prevention structure (including organic insulating films) are prepared beforehand to prevent crack propagation that may occur during laser cutting, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling easy hole formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by creating a protective barrier structure around the camera hole area before the harmful effect (crack propagation from laser cutting) occurs. The multiple insulating film layers serve as a cushioning barrier that absorbs and prevents the propagation of thermal stress and cracks.
3Reliability
If cracks propagate from cut portion toward display area, then structural integrity is compromised, but moisture penetration paths are created affecting organic light-emitting elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary barrier structure consisting of multiple insulating films (inorganic and organic layers) positioned between the camera hole area and the display area. This intermediary structure serves dual functions: preventing crack propagation and blocking moisture penetration paths, thereby protecting the organic light-emitting elements from moisture damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The crack prevention structure utilizes composite materials - multiple layers of different insulating films (inorganic insulating films and organic insulating films) stacked together. This composite structure provides both mechanical strength to prevent cracks and moisture barrier properties to protect against humidity penetration.
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 effectively prevents crack propagation and moisture/oxygen ingress, maintaining the display's aesthetic appeal and functional integrity by detecting and addressing potential defects early in the manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
When cutting is performed based on a phenomenon in which the substrate of the display panel is melted and broken by local thermal energy received from the laser
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a substrate including a display area, a camera hole, and a non-display area between the display area and the camera hole, at least one cut-out part and at least one dam disposed in the non-display area, a plurality of insulating films disposed on the substrate and disposed under a light-emitting element, the cut-out part, and the dam, and a crack detection unit disposed between the at least one cut-out part and the camera hole.