Display Panel Layer Structure for Opening-Area Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display panels face challenges in maintaining structural integrity and functionality around opening areas, particularly in non-display regions, which can lead to issues such as moisture ingress and damage to display elements.
Innovation Solution
The display panel incorporates a substrate with specific structural elements including a thin film encapsulation layer, inorganic and organic encapsulation layers, and inorganic insulating layers to protect the display elements, along with planarization and barrier walls to enhance durability and moisture resistance around opening areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional display panel structure is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the structural integrity and moisture resistance around opening areas is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure is divided into multiple functional layers: thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) with alternating organic and inorganic layers, planarization layer, and inorganic insulating layers. Each layer serves specific functions for moisture barrier, mechanical support, and structural stability, collectively enhancing protection around opening areas through segmented functional design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structure combining organic encapsulation layers (e.g., acrylic resin, epoxy resin) with inorganic encapsulation layers (e.g., silicon oxide, silicon nitride). This composite approach leverages the flexibility and adhesion of organic materials with the impermeability and strength of inorganic materials to achieve superior moisture resistance and structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display panel includes opening areas, then the functionality is enhanced, but the risk of moisture ingress and damage to display elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film encapsulation layer uses alternating organic and inorganic thin film layers to create a flexible yet impermeable barrier. The organic layers provide flexibility and conformability around opening areas, while the inorganic layers provide impermeability to moisture, collectively preventing moisture ingress while maintaining functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The planarization layer and inorganic insulating layers are applied in advance to create a flat, protected surface before final encapsulation. This preliminary protection structure prevents moisture ingress pathways at the opening areas before they can reach display elements, addressing the vulnerability proactively
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a substrate including an opening area, a display area, and a first non-display area, the first non-display area being between the opening area and the display area, a plurality of display elements arranged in the display area, a thin film encapsulation layer that covers the display elements, the thin film encapsulation layer including an inorganic encapsulation layer and an organic encapsulation layer, a groove in the first non-display area, a planarization layer in the first non-display area, the planarization layer covering the groove, a first inorganic insulating layer under the planarization layer such that the first inorganic insulating layer is between the planarization layer and the substrate, and a second inorganic insulating layer over the planarization layer.