Display Device Transparent Insulating Protective Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in protecting the display panel from external damages such as static electricity and scratches, particularly in portable and information display applications where durability is crucial.

Innovation Solution

A protective layer made of transparent insulating materials like molybdenum oxide (MoO3) or silicon oxide (SiOx) is applied on the thin film encapsulation layer of the display panel, which also includes a conductive second protective layer of aluminum (Al) to prevent external impacts and static electricity while maintaining high transmittance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective layer is added to protect the display panel from static electricity and scratches, then the durability and reliability of the display device is improved, but the structural complexity and number of layers increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a multi-layer nested protective structure where the first protective layer (transparent insulating material) is positioned on the thin film encapsulation layer, and the second protective layer (conductive material) is positioned on the first protective layer. This nested arrangement provides comprehensive protection against static electricity and scratches while maintaining a compact overall structure. The conductive second protective layer is strategically placed to discharge static electricity, while the transparent insulating first protective layer provides scratch resistance and maintains optical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a protective layer is applied to protect against external damages, then the reliability is improved, but the transmittance may be reduced due to additional layers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from static electricity and scratchesVSAvoidtransmittance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different materials with specific local properties to address different protection needs while maintaining transmittance. The first protective layer uses transparent insulating material that provides scratch resistance and maintains high optical transmittance. The second protective layer uses conductive material specifically for static electricity discharge. By localizing the function of each layer, the patent achieves comprehensive protection without significantly compromising the overall transmittance of the display panel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple protective layers are added to prevent external impacts and static electricity, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from external damagesVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the protective function into two separate layers with distinct materials and functions. The first protective layer (transparent insulating material) handles mechanical protection and maintains optical properties, while the second protective layer (conductive material) handles static electricity discharge. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently and simplifies the manufacturing process by enabling separate deposition steps for each functional layer, rather than attempting to combine multiple functions into a single complex layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 protects the display panel from static electricity and scratches, ensuring the display's durability and maintaining its transmittance, thus enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the display device.

Implementation Method 1

a first protective layer positioned on the thin film encapsulation layer... The first protective layer includes a transparent insulating material... protects the display panel from static electricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

The first protective layer includes (e.g., is) a transparent insulating material... maintaining high transmittance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical transmittance: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

a second protective layer positioned on the first protective layer and including a conductive material... conductive second protective layer of aluminum (Al) to prevent external impacts and static electricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11626575B2Display device including a base layer having a base hole, and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2023.04.11 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US11626575B2 patent drawing
  • US11626575B2 patent drawing
  • US11626575B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device according to an embodiment may include a base layer including a first surface and a second surface, a pixel circuit layer including a first line on the first surface, a display element layer on the pixel circuit layer and including a display element, a thin film encapsulation layer on the display element layer, a first protective layer on the thin film encapsulation layer, and a second line on the second surface to correspond to the first line. The first protective layer may include a transparent insulating material.