Display Apparatus with Segmented Encapsulation for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display apparatuses face challenges in integrating various functions within a reduced thickness and weight while maintaining effective encapsulation and moisture protection for organic light-emitting diodes, particularly due to the complexity of the organic material layers and the need for efficient encapsulation structures.
Innovation Solution
The display apparatus incorporates a substrate with distinct areas, including a through hole, a display element with an organic material layer, and a thin-film encapsulation layer comprising inorganic and organic layers, along with dam portions and grooves to disconnect organic material layers and control the encapsulation process, ensuring effective moisture protection and optical efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a thin-film encapsulation layer is used to reduce thickness and weight, then the display apparatus becomes more compact and lightweight, but moisture protection effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation layer is constructed as a composite structure combining organic encapsulation material with inorganic encapsulation layers. This composite design leverages the flexibility and light weight of organic materials while incorporating the superior moisture barrier properties of inorganic layers, achieving both weight reduction and effective moisture protection simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation layer is divided into multiple functional segments: an organic encapsulation layer providing flexibility and light weight, and inorganic encapsulation layers providing moisture barrier. This segmentation allows each material to perform its optimal function while collectively addressing both weight reduction and protection requirements
2Reliability
If the organic material layer is disconnected by grooves, then moisture infiltration is prevented, but the structural integrity of the display element may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The organic material layer is segmented into separate regions by grooves, preventing continuous moisture diffusion paths. This segmentation maintains structural integrity by creating discrete isolated regions rather than completely separating the layer, allowing mechanical support while blocking moisture infiltration routes
Solution Approach 2:
The groove structure acts as an intermediary element between the organic material layer and the substrate. It provides a controlled separation mechanism that prevents moisture infiltration while maintaining the overall structural framework through the dam portion and substrate support
3Adaptability or versatility
If various functions are integrated into the display area, then functionality increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: displaying visual information through the display element, providing moisture protection through the encapsulation layer, and enabling touch interaction through the touch sensor layer. This multi-functionality approach increases versatility while managing complexity by integrating functions into a unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional layers are nested within each other: the touch sensor layer is integrated within the encapsulation layer structure, and the display element is embedded within the substrate. This nesting allows various functions to coexist in a compact arrangement, increasing functionality while minimizing the increase in overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes: a substrate including a first area, a second area, and a third area; a display element on the substrate; a thin-film encapsulation layer covering the display element; a first dam portion at the third area, the first dam portion being adjacent to the second area; a second dam portion at the third area, and spaced from the first dam portion; and at least one groove at the third area.