Flexible Display Pad Insulation Against Line Oxidation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In flexible display devices, the oxidation of touch sensing layers due to hydrogen radical and ammonia gas released during the formation of inorganic insulating layers can damage connection and transfer lines, leading to defects and reduced reliability.

Innovation Solution

An organic insulating layer is strategically placed between the inorganic insulating layer and the connection and transfer lines, creating a barrier that prevents hydrogen radical and ammonia gas from reaching these sensitive areas, thereby reducing oxidation and outgas generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an inorganic insulating layer is disposed in the pad area to provide insulation, then insulation performance is improved, but hydrogen radical and ammonia gas are released during formation, causing oxidation of the lower conductive layer and reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidoxidation damage from hydrogen radical and ammonia gas

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An organic insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the inorganic insulating layer and the lower conductive layer. This intermediate layer prevents hydrogen radical and ammonia gas from reaching and oxidizing the conductive layer during the formation process, while still allowing the inorganic insulating layer to provide its insulation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The organic insulating layer is formed beforehand to cover the lower conductive layer before the inorganic insulating layer is deposited. This preliminary protective action ensures that when the inorganic insulating layer is later formed and releases harmful gases, the conductive layer is already protected from oxidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the inorganic insulating layer covers the connection line to provide insulation, then insulation is improved, but oxidation of the connection line occurs due to hydrogen radical and ammonia gas, leading to defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefect reductionVSAvoidoutgas generation during inorganic insulating layer formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The organic insulating layer serves as a protective intermediary that covers the connection line before the inorganic insulating layer is formed. This barrier prevents harmful gases released during inorganic insulating layer formation from reaching and oxidizing the connection line, thereby reducing defects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The organic insulating layer is deposited in advance to create a protective cushion over the connection line. This prior cushioning ensures that when the inorganic insulating layer is subsequently formed and releases hydrogen radical and ammonia gas, the connection line is already protected from oxidation damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If a multi-layer insulating structure is implemented to prevent oxidation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxidation protectionVSAvoidinsulating layer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The organic insulating layer is selectively applied only in critical areas where oxidation protection is needed, such as over the connection line and lower conductive layer, rather than uniformly across the entire device. This localized approach provides necessary protection while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration enhances the reliability of the display device by preventing damage to the connection and transfer lines, reducing defects, and minimizing outgas generation.

Implementation Method 1

an organic insulating layer disposed on the connection line and entirely covering the connection line, and an inorganic insulating layer disposed on the organic insulating layer to overlap one end of the organic insulating layer and including an opening exposing the organic insulating layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier (diffusion barrier): Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentUS20240355984A1Display device

Publication Date: 2024.10.24 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a substrate including a display area, a pad area spaced apart from the display area in a first direction, and a bending area disposed between the display area and the pad area, a transfer line overlapping the pad area and extending from pad area in a direction opposite to the first direction, a connection line disposed on the transfer line, connected to the transfer line, and overlapping the bending area, an organic insulating layer disposed on the connection line and entirely overlapping the connection line, and an inorganic insulating layer disposed on the organic insulating layer, defining an opening overlapping the organic insulating layer, and overlapping one end of the organic insulating layer.