Display Sensor UV Protection via Intermediary Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face issues with ultraviolet ray exposure affecting organic light emitting layers when driving parts, such as fingerprint recognition sensors, are attached using resin and cured with UV irradiation, leading to deterioration of these layers.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a protective layer with an ultraviolet ray absorbent, a light blocking layer, and a cushion layer, which includes openings and holes to house the sensor unit, preventing UV rays from reaching the substrate and ensuring the sensor unit is securely attached using an adhesive member, thereby blocking UV radiation during curing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a sensor unit is attached to the display panel using resin and cured with UV irradiation, then the sensor can be securely mounted, but the ultraviolet ray deteriorates the organic light emitting layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor attachment strengthVSAvoidultraviolet ray damage to organic light emitting layer

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protective layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the UV-curable adhesive and the organic light emitting layer. This protective layer contains a UV absorber that intercepts and absorbs the ultraviolet radiation, preventing it from reaching and deteriorating the organic light emitting layer while still allowing the UV curing process to occur for the adhesive.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful ultraviolet radiation is converted into a beneficial effect by using it to cure the adhesive (which requires UV for curing) while simultaneously having the protective layer absorb the excess UV that would otherwise damage the organic light emitting layer. The UV radiation serves dual purposes: curing the adhesive and being absorbed by the protective layer to prevent damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Area of stationary object

If the non-display area is reduced to increase display area, then the display area increases, but driving parts overlap with the display area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisplay areaVSAvoidsensor placement interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor unit is positioned in the non-display area but oriented to sense through the display area from below. This spatial arrangement allows the sensor to function within the display area without occupying additional front-facing space, effectively utilizing the Z-dimension (depth) to resolve the conflict between display area and sensor placement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 configuration effectively prevents ultraviolet rays from reaching the substrate, thereby protecting the organic light emitting diodes and enhancing the reliability of the display device by preventing deterioration caused by UV exposure.

Implementation Method 1

the protective layer includes an ultraviolet ray absorbent to absorb an ultraviolet ray

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltraviolet ray absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11307685B2Display device including a sensor and a protective layer

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a display module including a display area and a non-display area; a protective layer on a lower surface of the display module and including an opening area overlapping with the display area; a sensor unit overlapping with the display area, covering the opening area, and arranged on the protective layer; and an adhesive member adhering the sensor unit and the protective layer.