Convex Supporting Frame Bar for Mask Assembly Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mask assemblies for organic light emitting display devices experience deformation due to the self-weight of the supporting frame and tensile forces applied to the sticks during deposition processes, leading to instability and potential misalignment of the deposition pattern.
Innovation Solution
A supporting frame design with a body part and a supporting bar that includes materials with different thermal expansion coefficients, where the supporting bar is formed with a convex shape and can transform to offset deformation, using a lighter material for the bar to minimize sagging and thermal distortion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a supporting frame is used to hold the mask assembly, then the mask can be supported during deposition, but the frame deforms due to self-weight and tensile forces
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting frame is divided into multiple independent support bars rather than a single continuous structure. Each support bar can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the system to maintain supporting capability while reducing cumulative deformation effects across the entire frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bars are pre-positioned and pre-adjusted to optimal locations before the deposition process begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the frame structure is already optimized to minimize deformation under expected loads, maintaining stability during the actual deposition operation.
2Area of stationary object
If the supporting frame is erected vertically, then space is optimized, but sagging increases due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
Counterweights are attached to the support bars to balance the gravitational force acting on the vertically erected frame. These counterweights provide an opposing force that compensates for the sagging effect, allowing the frame to maintain its vertical orientation and space efficiency without excessive deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bars are positioned at multiple vertical levels and angles rather than in a single plane. This three-dimensional arrangement distributes the gravitational load across different spatial dimensions, reducing the sagging effect in any single direction while maintaining overall vertical structure efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If thermal expansion is considered during deposition, then accuracy is maintained, but complex material selection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The support bars are designed with adjustable parameters such as length, position, and orientation that can be modified to compensate for thermal expansion effects. Rather than requiring complex multi-material construction, the system maintains deposition accuracy by adjusting these geometric parameters in response to thermal conditions.
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 design effectively reduces sagging and thermal distortion, maintaining the stability and accuracy of the deposition process by offsetting deformation caused by self-weight and tensile forces, ensuring precise patterning of electrodes and organic emission layers.
Implementation Method 1
the body part may include a first material, the supporting bar may include a second material, and a thermal expansion coefficient of the second material may be larger than a thermal expansion coefficient of the first material
Implementation Method 2
the supporting bar may be formed such that the supporting bar has a first curvature, and the supporting bar may be transformable and joinable to the first frame part based on an external force, wherein in response to the external force, the supporting bar may have a second curvature less than the first curvature and be joined to the first frame part
Data Source
AI summary
A supporting frame according to an embodiment includes a body part including a first frame part, a second frame part, a third frame part, and a fourth frame part disposed on a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side of an opening, respectively, and a supporting bar coupled to the first frame part. The supporting bar has a shape convex toward an outside of the supporting frame.