Display Device Encapsulation for Touch Routing Line Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in preventing organic films from overflowing and protecting touch routing lines, which can compromise process efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A display device design incorporating an outer dam with a touch interlayer insulating film having a thicker upper surface and multiple encapsulation layers, including an organic insulating film formed through an inkjet process, to prevent organic film overflow and protect touch routing lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a dam is disposed in the non-display area to prevent organic film overflow, then organic film overflow is prevented, but the touch routing line is exposed and vulnerable to damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorganic film overflowVSAvoidtouch routing line protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested protective structure where the touch routing line is embedded within multiple protective layers. The lower touch routing line is positioned on the first encapsulation layer, covered by touch interlayer insulating film, then covered by the second encapsulation layer, and finally protected by the outer dam structure. This nested arrangement allows the routing line to be protected from multiple directions of potential damage while maintaining its electrical function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate protective layers between the touch routing line and potential harmful factors. The touch interlayer insulating film acts as an intermediary barrier between the routing line and the outer dam, while the second encapsulation layer serves as another intermediary protective barrier. These intermediate layers prevent direct exposure of the routing line to damaging factors such as chemical solutions or mechanical damage during the organic film formation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple encapsulation layers and outer dam are added to protect touch routing line, then routing line protection is improved, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch routing line protectionVSAvoidencapsulation layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the encapsulation layers and outer dam structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously. The first encapsulation layer provides both organic film containment and initial routing line protection. The second encapsulation layer serves as both a protective barrier and an adhesion layer for the outer dam. The outer dam structure simultaneously contains organic film overflow and protects the routing line from external damage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the protective functions into integrated structures. The touch interlayer insulating film is combined with the outer dam formation process, and the second encapsulation layer is integrated with the outer dam adhesive layer. This merging of functions allows multiple protective layers to be formed through fewer separate processes, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If outer dam with thick touch interlayer insulating film is used to protect routing line, then routing line protection is enhanced, but manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetouch routing line protectionVSAvoidprocess efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary protective actions by forming the outer dam structure and applying the second encapsulation layer before the organic film formation process. This preliminary protection ensures that the touch routing line is already shielded when the organic film is deposited, preventing any potential damage during the subsequent processing steps. The thick touch interlayer insulating film is applied in advance to provide adequate protection before any harmful factors can affect the routing line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 prevents organic film overflow and enhances process efficiency by safeguarding touch routing lines, thereby improving the reliability and performance of the display device.

Implementation Method 1

The second encapsulation layer may be formed through an inkjet process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInkjet printing:

Data Source

PatentEP4607325A1Display device
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4607325A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4607325A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4607325A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a display device. A display device may include a planarization layer disposed on a substrate, a bank disposed on the planarization layer, a first encapsulation layer disposed on the bank, a first bridge metal disposed on the first encapsulation layer, a lower touch routing line disposed in a dam area, a touch interlayer insulating film disposed on the first bridge metal and the lower touch routing line, and a second encapsulation layer disposed on the inner side of the touch interlayer insulating film disposed in the dam area, thereby protecting the touch routing line while preventing the organic film from overflowing.