Flat Display Panel Sealing via Laser Hardening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flat display panels are vulnerable to moisture and oxygen ingress, leading to reduced lifespan, electrode oxidation, and deteriorated light emitting efficiency due to spoilage of liquid crystals and organic materials, necessitating an effective sealing process.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the use of black matrix patterns as a mask during the sealing process, where a laser is irradiated onto the sealing member, with the black matrix patterns arranged in a specific configuration to prevent laser exposure to non-sealing regions, utilizing different materials and shapes to control energy distribution and ensure uniform sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a laser is irradiated onto the sealing member during the sealing process, then the sealing member is hardened and sealing is achieved, but the laser may irradiate regions outside the sealing region causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidlaser-induced damage to non-sealing regions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The black matrix pattern serves as an intermediary component between the laser beam and the substrate. It selectively absorbs or blocks laser energy in non-sealing regions while allowing the laser to harden the sealing member in the sealing region, thus preventing laser-induced damage to areas that should not be exposed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The black matrix pattern is strategically positioned and configured to provide localized protection. Different regions of the substrate receive different levels of laser exposure through the patterned black matrix, which has specific optical properties that control where the laser energy is absorbed or transmitted, enabling selective hardening without damaging surrounding areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the sealing process is performed to isolate the interior of the flat display panel, then moisture and oxygen permeation is blocked, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from moisture and oxygenVSAvoidsealing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member is integrated with the black matrix pattern and the substrate structure. The black matrix pattern that serves its primary function of controlling laser exposure also serves as part of the sealing structure, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component rather than separate elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The black matrix pattern automatically performs the function of protecting non-sealing regions from laser damage during the sealing process. The material properties and configuration of the black matrix itself enable it to absorb or block laser energy without requiring additional protective layers or complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If black matrix patterns are used as a mask during laser irradiation, then laser exposure to non-sealing regions is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser irradiation controlVSAvoidblack matrix pattern fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The black matrix pattern is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it controls laser exposure during sealing, provides structural support as part of the substrate, and contributes to the overall sealing integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The black matrix pattern is pre-formed on the substrate before the sealing process. This preliminary preparation allows the pattern to be in place and ready to control laser exposure from the beginning of the sealing operation, eliminating the need for additional masking steps or real-time adjustments during laser irradiation.

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

This approach simplifies the sealing process, enhances the sealing efficiency, and protects the display panel from laser-induced damage, thereby extending the lifespan and maintaining light emitting efficiency by effectively isolating the internal components from environmental moisture and oxygen.

Implementation Method 1

a laser is irradiated onto the sealing member, with the black matrix patterns arranged in a specific configuration to prevent laser exposure to non-sealing regions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS8698993B2Flat display panel, mother substrate for flat display panel, and method of manufacturing the flat display panel

Publication Date: 2014.04.15 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A flat display panel includes a first substrate and a second substrate, and the first and second substrates are sealed via a sealing member therebetween. The second substrate includes a display region and a non-display region. The display region and the non-display region include black matrix patterns, and the black matrix patterns have at least one opening in a sealing region of the second substrate. The sealing member is arranged in the sealing region.