Multi-Layer Encapsulation for Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face challenges in isolating light-emitting elements and circuit elements from external moisture and oxygen, particularly at the side surfaces, which can lead to durability issues and require widening the bezel area to prevent moisture and oxygen introduction.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer encapsulation system comprising a first polymer layer, a second layer with a specific compound for selective oxygen and moisture blocking, and a third layer with a hygroscopic getter to effectively prevent moisture and oxygen ingress from the side surfaces, reducing the need for a wide bezel area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sufficient distance is secured between the side surface of the display panel and the circuit elements to prevent moisture and oxygen introduction, then reliability is improved, but the bezel area is widened
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation layer is divided into multiple distinct layers (first encapsulation layer, second encapsulation layer, third encapsulation layer) with each layer having specific functions. The first layer provides baseline protection, the second layer with hydrophobic compound blocks oxygen, and the third layer with hygroscopic getter absorbs moisture, creating a segmented defense system that achieves reliable protection without requiring excessive distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation system uses composite material structure combining different functional layers: a hydrophobic compound layer (second encapsulation layer) that repels oxygen and a hygroscopic getter layer (third encapsulation layer) that absorbs moisture. This composite approach allows effective protection against both oxygen and moisture simultaneously within a compact structure, resolving the contradiction between reliability and bezel area.
2Ease of manufacture
If polymer or adhesive film is used for side surface sealing, then ease of manufacture is improved, but protection against moisture and oxygen introduction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the encapsulation materials by introducing specific functional compounds: a hydrophobic compound in the second encapsulation layer that provides oxygen barrier properties and a hygroscopic getter in the third layer that provides moisture absorption capability. This parameter change transforms ordinary polymer layers into highly effective protective barriers against both oxygen and moisture while maintaining ease of manufacture through layer-by-layer formation.
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 encapsulation system provides excellent moisture and oxygen barrier properties, ensuring the reliability of display devices by effectively blocking external moisture and oxygen while maintaining a compact bezel area.
Implementation Method 1
the second layer may include a compound represented by Formula 1 below... the second layer... for selective oxygen and moisture blocking
Implementation Method 2
the third layer may include a second polymer and a hygroscopic getter... effectively prevent moisture and oxygen ingress
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a substrate, a light-emitting element positioned on the substrate; and an encapsulation layer positioned on the light-emitting element and comprising a first layer, a second layer positioned on the first layer, and a third layer positioned on the second layer, wherein the first layer comprises a first polymer, the second layer comprises a compound represented by Formula 1, and the third layer comprises a second polymer and a hygroscopic getter, wherein, in Formula 1, A is a C1-C10 alkyl group or a C6-C60 aryl group, n is an integer from 1 to 100, m is an integer from 1 to 6, o is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and R1 is a hydroxyl group.