Encapsulation Layer Sealing Opening Area in Display Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices with opening areas for electronic modules in the display panel are prone to damage from moisture and foreign particles, leading to reduced reliability and increased dead space around the opening area, which compromises the display area's integrity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a display device design featuring a substrate with an opening area, a peripheral area, and a display area, where a first encapsulation inorganic layer is used to cover the edges of dams on the peripheral area, and additional layers are strategically placed to prevent moisture and foreign particles from entering, thereby enhancing protection and reducing dead space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an opening area is provided in the display area for electronic modules, then camera functions can be integrated, but moisture and foreign particles can permeate through the opening area causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies encapsulation layers (thin films) to seal the opening area and peripheral area. Specifically, an encapsulation layer is formed to cover the opening area where the electronic module is mounted, and another encapsulation layer extends to cover the peripheral area surrounding the opening, creating a moisture barrier that protects the display panel while maintaining the opening for camera functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the protection from a two-dimensional surface seal to a three-dimensional seal by having the encapsulation layer cover not only the opening area but also the peripheral area surrounding it. This dimensional extension ensures that moisture cannot penetrate along the sides or edges of the opening area.
2Reliability
If a large peripheral area surrounds the opening area to prevent moisture penetration, then reliability is improved, but the display area is reduced due to increased dead space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies encapsulation material selectively to specific locations: the opening area and the peripheral area surrounding it. This localized application provides protection exactly where moisture penetration is a risk, while leaving the rest of the display area free for optimal screen real estate. The encapsulation layer is precisely positioned to cover only the necessary protective zones.
3Reliability
If conventional sealing methods are used around the opening area, then some protection is provided, but moisture can still penetrate through the peripheral area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sealing structure into multiple segments: an encapsulation layer covering the opening area, and another encapsulation layer covering the peripheral area. This segmentation creates multiple independent barrier zones, ensuring that even if one area is compromised, the other continues to provide protection. The segmented approach blocks moisture penetration paths more effectively than a single continuous seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a substrate including an opening area, a peripheral area surrounding the opening area, and a display area surrounding the peripheral area; a transistor disposed on the display area of the substrate; a first electrode electrically connected to the transistor; an intermediate layer overlapping the first electrode; a second electrode disposed on the intermediate layer; a first dam disposed on the peripheral area of the substrate; and a first encapsulation inorganic layer disposed on the second electrode, wherein the first encapsulation inorganic layer is in contact with a side of the first dam in the peripheral area.