Display Opening Structure to Prevent Layer Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in integrating functional components, such as sensors or cameras, within the display area without compromising the display functionality or increasing the device's thickness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an opening or hole in the display device to accommodate functional components, such as sensors or cameras, while maintaining the display area's functionality by adjusting the layout of pixels, trace lines, and adding an input sensing layer to detect external inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hole is provided in the display area to accommodate a functional component, then the functionality of the display device is enhanced, but layer separation or floating defects may occur around the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The display device is divided into distinct functional areas: a first area containing the functional component, a second area for display elements, and a third area as a buffer zone. This segmentation allows the hole to be isolated in the first area while the third area provides structural continuity to prevent layer separation.
Solution Approach 2:
A planarization layer is introduced as an intermediary structure between the groove (accommodating the functional component) and the display elements. This planarization layer fills the groove and provides a flat surface, preventing layer floating and separation while maintaining the functional component's integration.
2Reliability
If display elements are arranged in a second area separate from the first area, then encapsulation effectiveness is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different areas of the device are assigned different functions and structures: the first area accommodates functional components with a groove, the second area contains display elements, and the third area provides buffer and connection. This local differentiation allows optimized encapsulation in each zone without requiring complete structural redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The planarization layer serves multiple functions: it fills the groove in the first area, provides a flat surface for the third area, and acts as an encapsulation support structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate structures, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining encapsulation effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a groove is provided in the third area to accommodate functional components, then component integration is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The groove is formed in the substrate before the planarization layer is applied. This preliminary action allows the groove structure to be established early in the manufacturing process, and the subsequent planarization layer automatically fills and smooths the groove, reducing the precision requirements for the groove formation step itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The planarization layer changes the surface topology parameter from non-planar (with groove) to planar (filled groove). This parameter change allows the groove to accommodate functional components with relaxed precision requirements, as the planarization process compensates for the groove's presence and provides a uniform surface for subsequent layers.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A display device may include a hole, a display element, a switching element, a groove, a planarization layer, and a cover layer. The switching element may be electrically connected to the display element. The encapsulation layer may cover the display element. The groove may be located between the hole and the display element. A portion of the planarization layer may be located between a first edge of the planarization layer and a second edge of the planarization and may be located in the groove. The first edge of the planarization layer may be located closer to the display element than the second edge of the planarization layer. The cover layer may at least partially cover the first edge of the planarization layer.