Display Blocking Groove Structure Against Moisture Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices are vulnerable to moisture and oxygen infiltration, which can damage the emission layer and oxidize signal lines, despite encapsulation efforts, as these substances can still penetrate through the organic layer.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a substrate with a blocking region in the non-display area, an organic layer with a groove penetrating its entire thickness, and an auxiliary pattern overlapping the groove, combined with a thin film encapsulation layer that includes both inorganic and organic layers to prevent moisture and oxygen ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an encapsulation layer is used to protect the display area, then the display device is protected from moisture and oxygen penetration, but moisture and oxygen can still infiltrate through the organic layer
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation layer is divided into multiple segments including inorganic encapsulation layers and organic encapsulation layers arranged in a specific pattern. The inorganic layers provide barrier properties while the organic layers fill gaps, creating a segmented but continuous protection system that prevents moisture and oxygen infiltration through the organic layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation structure uses composite materials by combining inorganic encapsulation layers with organic encapsulation layers. This composite approach leverages the barrier properties of inorganic materials and the flexibility and gap-filling capabilities of organic materials to achieve comprehensive protection against moisture and oxygen penetration.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the display area is encapsulated by an encapsulation layer, then moisture or oxygen penetration is reduced, but moisture or oxygen can still inflow through the organic layer
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation layer is segmented into inorganic and organic portions that work together to extend device lifespan. The inorganic encapsulation layers provide long-term barrier protection while the organic encapsulation layers seal gaps and interfaces, collectively preventing moisture and oxygen inflow that would otherwise degrade the display device over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite encapsulation structure combining inorganic and organic materials provides enhanced long-term protection. The inorganic layers offer stable, impermeable barriers while the organic layers provide flexible sealing, creating a durable multi-material system that extends the display device's operational life by blocking degradation pathways.
3Device complexity
If an organic layer is used in the display device, then the device structure is simplified, but moisture or oxygen can penetrate through this organic layer
Solution Approach 1:
The organic layer's protective function is segmented by introducing inorganic encapsulation layers at strategic positions within the organic matrix. This segmentation maintains the overall organic layer structure for simplicity while adding localized inorganic barrier segments that prevent moisture and oxygen penetration without requiring a complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The organic layer is transformed into a composite structure by integrating inorganic encapsulation layers within it. This creates an organic-inorganic composite that retains the simplicity and flexibility of the organic layer while adding the penetration-resistant properties of inorganic materials, achieving both structural simplicity and reliable protection.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a substrate including a display area and a non-display area adjacent to the display area. The non-display area includes a blocking region. An organic layer is disposed on the substrate. An emission layer is disposed in the display area of the substrate. An auxiliary pattern is disposed in the blocking region of the non-display area of the substrate. A thin film encapsulation layer is disposed on the substrate and overlaps the emission layer and the blocking region. The organic layer has a groove penetrating an entire thickness of the organic layer in the blocking region. The auxiliary pattern overlaps the groove. The auxiliary pattern includes a same material as a gate electrode disposed in the display area of the substrate.