Encapsulation Layer Protrusions for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electroluminescent display apparatuses are susceptible to degradation due to external factors such as oxygen and moisture, which significantly affect their lifetime and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus design featuring a first substrate with concave or protrusion portions in the non-display area, an encapsulation layer with absorption members, and a second substrate overlapping the first substrate, which lengthens the path for external gas or moisture penetration and enhances the absorption capacity, thereby protecting the electroluminescent device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flat encapsulation structure is used, then the device structure is simple, but external gas or moisture can penetrate directly into the display apparatus, reducing reliability and lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation layer is transformed from a flat two-dimensional structure to a three-dimensional structure with protrusion portions extending upward. This dimensional change creates a physical barrier that extends the penetration path for external gas or moisture, effectively blocking their direct access to the display apparatus while maintaining structural feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation layer is divided into multiple regions including flat portions and protrusion portions. This segmentation creates a multi-level barrier structure where different regions serve specific functions: flat portions provide broad coverage while protrusion portions act as active blocking elements that extend into the space between substrates to intercept contaminants
2Reliability
If the encapsulation layer is made thicker to block penetration, then reliability improves, but the device volume and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the horizontal thickness of the encapsulation layer, the solution extends protection vertically by creating protrusion portions that rise upward. This approach blocks contaminant penetration paths without significantly increasing the overall device volume, as the protrusions utilize the vertical space between substrates rather than expanding the lateral footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation layer is designed with localized protrusion portions at specific regions where contamination risk is highest, rather than uniformly thickening the entire layer. This localized approach provides enhanced protection where needed while maintaining a thin overall profile, optimizing the balance between reliability and volume
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional encapsulation is used, then manufacturing is simple, but electrodes and light emitting layer degrade quickly due to oxygen exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion portions of the encapsulation layer are formed in advance during the manufacturing process, creating pre-positioned barriers against gas or moisture penetration. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that protection is built-in from the start, preventing degradation of electrodes and light emitting layer before they are exposed to harsh environments
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation layer's physical parameters are modified by creating protrusion portions with specific heights, widths, and spacing. These parameter changes transform the layer from a passive flat barrier to an active three-dimensional protective structure that dynamically intercepts contaminants, significantly extending component lifetime while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard fabrication techniques
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
The solution effectively delays and prevents the penetration of external gas or moisture, enhancing the reliability and extending the lifetime of the display apparatus by utilizing the encapsulation layer's absorption members to absorb and convert external contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
an encapsulation layer on the first substrate and having at least one protrusion portion in the non-display area... the at least one protrusion portion of the encapsulation layer is between the first substrate and the second substrate and protrudes away from the second substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus may include a first substrate including a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area, the first substrate having at least one concave portion recessed into the first substrate in the non-display area; an encapsulation layer on the first substrate and disposed in the at least one concave portion; and a second substrate on the encapsulation layer and overlapping the first substrate.