Display Device Substrate Hole and Blocking Element Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In display devices, the non-display area (bezel area) is increased, reducing the size of the display area, which is a limitation in thinner and more portable image display devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an organic cover layer on an encapsulation unit, an inner dam between the substrate hole and light-emitting elements, and a blocking element under the organic cover layer, which allows the substrate hole to be placed in the active area, reducing the non-display area and protecting the light-emitting stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If components (camera, speaker, sensor) are disposed in the non-display area, then the display device structure is simplified, but the non-display area size increases, reducing the display area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves components from the traditional non-display area (2D plane) into the active area through substrate holes, utilizing the third dimension (depth/vertical space) to resolve the area conflict. This allows components to be positioned within the active area without increasing the non-display area, thereby increasing the display area while maintaining simplified component arrangement.
2Area of stationary object
If substrate hole is disposed in the active area to reduce non-display area, then display area increases, but light-emitting stack may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inner dam as an intermediary structure positioned between the substrate hole and the light-emitting elements. This inner dam acts as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact or damage to the light-emitting stack while allowing the substrate hole to be disposed in the active area, thus resolving the contradiction between increasing display area and protecting the light-emitting stack.
3Reliability
If blocking element is added to protect light-emitting stack, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner dam serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a blocking element to protect the light-emitting stack from damage, serves as a structural support within the substrate hole, and helps define the boundary between the active area and non-display area. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective structures, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a display device having a reduced non-display area. The display device includes an organic cover layer disposed on an encapsulation unit, an inner dam disposed between a substrate hole and a plurality of light-emitting elements, and a blocking element disposed between the substrate hole and the inner dam, the blocking element being disposed under the organic cover layer, whereby it is possible to prevent damage to a light-emitting stack. In addition, since the substrate hole is disposed in an active area, it is possible to reduce the size of a non-display area.