Display Panel Openings with Segmented Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display panels face challenges in integrating multiple functions within a limited display area, particularly in incorporating input sensing capabilities without compromising the display's performance and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design that includes a substrate with a display area and openings, a light-emitting element surrounded by an encapsulation layer, and an input sensing layer with a metal layer surrounding the openings, allowing for touch sensing and improved light management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an opening is provided in the display panel to accommodate a component, then the component can be integrated into the display area, but the display area is reduced and light leakage may occur around the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into multiple openings arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing the sensor component to be integrated while minimizing the impact on the overall display area. The segmented approach enables better space utilization and maintains more display area compared to a single large opening.
Solution Approach 2:
A light-blocking layer is selectively applied around the openings to prevent light leakage only in the necessary regions, while the rest of the display area maintains its normal light transmission properties. This localized treatment prevents light leakage without compromising the overall display area or performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a light-blocking layer is added around the opening to prevent light leakage, then light management is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking layer is merged with the encapsulation layer structure, where the encapsulation layer itself serves as part of the light-blocking structure. This integration reduces the need for separate light-blocking components and simplifies the overall structure while still preventing light leakage effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation layer performs multiple functions: it protects the light-emitting element, provides structural support, and simultaneously serves as a light-blocking structure around the openings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated light-blocking components, thereby reducing structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the encapsulation layer completely covers the light-emitting element, then protection is improved, but openings for sensor integration become more difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation layer is segmented to form step structures at the opening regions, allowing it to cover the light-emitting element in most areas while creating controlled openings for sensor integration. This segmentation enables both protection and sensor integration to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation layer creates step structures that extend in the vertical dimension, forming tiers around the openings. This dimensional approach allows the encapsulation layer to maintain coverage over the light-emitting element while providing clear pathways for sensor integration, resolving the conflict between protection and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel of an electronic apparatus includes a substrate that includes a display area and a first opening, a light-emitting element disposed in the display area around the first opening, an encapsulation layer disposed on the light-emitting element, where the encapsulation layer includes at least one inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer and a second opening that corresponds to the first opening, and an input sensing layer disposed on the encapsulation layer and that includes a third opening that corresponds to the second opening. The input sensing layer includes a metal layer that surrounds the third opening.