Display Apparatus Planarization Layer Division for Moisture Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatuses face challenges in preventing the permeation of external moisture and oxygen, which can lead to defects such as dark spots due to the use of organic insulating films that compromise the integrity of the display element.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus design that incorporates a planarization layer with a divisional portion surrounding the display area, an interlayer insulating film made of organic material, and a protecting film made of inorganic material covering the sides of the interlayer insulating film, along with a thin film encapsulating layer that includes both organic and inorganic films to seal the display unit and prevent moisture and oxygen ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If organic insulating films are used in the display apparatus, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to moisture and oxygen permeation causing dark spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite encapsulation structure combining organic and inorganic films. The organic insulating films (first and second interlayer insulating films) are combined with an inorganic encapsulation layer to create a multi-material barrier system. This composite structure leverages the manufacturing ease of organic films while adding the moisture and oxygen barrier properties of inorganic materials, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
2Device complexity
If the planarization layer extends into the non-display area without division, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased permeation paths for moisture and oxygen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the planarization layer into a first planarization layer and a second planarization layer separated by a groove in the non-display area. This segmentation creates distinct regions that can be independently managed and reduces continuous permeation paths for moisture and oxygen. The division allows the encapsulation structure to better contain protective barriers, improving reliability without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
3Ease of operation
If voltage lines are allowed to intersect freely in the non-display area, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential moisture ingress at intersection points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inorganic encapsulation layer as an intermediary barrier between the voltage lines and the external environment. This encapsulation layer is positioned to cover voltage line intersection points in the non-display area, acting as a mediator that prevents moisture and oxygen from reaching these vulnerable locations while allowing the voltage lines to maintain their functional routing for ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a substrate, a display unit over the substrate, the display unit including a thin film transistor, a display element connected to the thin film transistor, and a planarization layer between the thin film transistor and the display element. The display unit includes a display area to display an image, and a non-display area outside of the display area. The non-display area includes a plurality of voltage lines. The planarization layer extends into the non-display area and includes a divisional portion that divides the planarization layer into a central portion and a peripheral portion. The divisional portion surrounds the display area. An interlayer insulating film is between voltage lines at intersections of the voltage lines with each other in the divisional portion. A protecting film covers a side of the interlayer insulating film in the divisional portion.