Display Panel Recess and Dam Structure for Opening Moisture Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display apparatuses with openings are prone to moisture penetration, which can damage the surrounding display elements, as existing solutions fail to effectively block moisture transmission through the lateral surfaces of these openings.
Innovation Solution
The display panel design includes extending the opposite electrode and functional layers from the display area into a recessed non-display area, with a transmission hole exposing a portion of the non-display area, and a capping layer on the opposite electrode, to prevent moisture penetration by using a laser lift-off process for removing organic materials around the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an opening is provided in the display area to add various functions, then the functionality and versatility of the display apparatus is improved, but moisture can penetrate through the lateral surface of the opening and damage the display elements
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first encapsulation region covering the display elements, a second encapsulation region covering the non-display area, and a third encapsulation region filling the recess. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific protective function while collectively preventing moisture ingress through the opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The recess acts as an intermediary structure between the opening and the display elements. By creating a recessed region filled with encapsulation material, it serves as a barrier that intercepts and prevents moisture from reaching the display elements, thus mediating between the opening's exposure and the elements' protection needs.
2Area of stationary object
If the display area is expanded to occupy more space, then the display area coverage is improved, but the risk of moisture penetration through openings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure applies local quality by providing enhanced protection specifically at the opening region and non-display area, while maintaining standard encapsulation at the display elements. The recess and filled encapsulation material create a localized barrier precisely where moisture penetration risk is highest, without compromising the overall display area expansion.
3Reliability
If a dam structure is added to prevent moisture penetration, then the moisture resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dam structure is merged with the encapsulation layers, forming an integrated encapsulation system. The first, second, and third encapsulation regions are combined with the dam to create a unified barrier structure, eliminating the need for separate moisture prevention components and reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining effective moisture resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation material serves multiple functions: it encapsulates the display elements, fills the recess to prevent moisture ingress, and forms part of the dam structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable moisture protection.
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
This design effectively prevents moisture transmission into the display area, protecting the display elements from damage by foreign substances, while allowing for efficient removal of organic materials using a laser lift-off process.
Implementation Method 1
a method of manufacturing a display panel includes removing a first organic material layer and a second organic material layer from a substrate by irradiating the substrate with a laser beam
Data Source
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AI summary
A display panel includes: a substrate including an opening area, a display area, and a non-display area, the display area surrounding the opening area, and the non-display area being between the opening area and the display area; a plurality of display elements at the display area of the substrate, each of the display elements including a pixel electrode, an emission layer on the pixel electrode, and an opposite electrode on the emission layer; a thin-film encapsulation layer covering the plurality of display elements; a dam at the non-display area, and protruding from a top surface of a first insulating layer; and a recess between the opening area and the dam, and recessed in a depth direction of the first insulating layer. A lateral wall of the dam meets a first lateral wall from among lateral walls of the recess, the first lateral wall being adjacent to the display area.