Flexible AMOLED Touch Integration via In-Cell Dielectric Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flexible AMOLEDs face limitations in touch integration due to the Thin Film Encapsulation (TFE) process, which restricts their applicable range as the touch structure cannot be integrated using the On Cell process, unlike rigid AMOLEDs with glass cover plates.

Innovation Solution

An OLED array substrate with a touch sensor integrated on a side of the planarization layer facing away from the transistor, comprising first and second touch electrodes insulated by a dielectric layer, allowing for touch integration via the In-Cell process, thus avoiding the limitations of the TFE process and enhancing the flexibility of AMOLEDs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If TFE process is used for flexible AMOLED, then flexibility is improved, but touch integration capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidtouch integration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the touch sensor and display device into a single integrated structure by forming the touch sensor between the planarization layer and pixel definition layer, eliminating the need for separate touch panel layers and enabling touch functionality in flexible AMOLEDs using TFE process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates the touch sensor in the vertical stacking direction within the display device layers, specifically between the planarization layer and pixel definition layer, rather than adding touch functionality in a separate planar dimension, thereby enabling touch capability without compromising flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If On Cell process is used for touch integration, then touch functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the touch sensor manufacturing steps with the existing display device manufacturing process by forming the touch sensor between the planarization layer and pixel definition layer during the same production sequence, thereby achieving touch integration without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11563061B2OLED array substrate, manufacturing method thereof and touch display device

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD

AI summary

An OLED array substrate, a manufacturing method thereof and a touch display device. The OLED array substrate includes a base substrate, a transistor on the base substrate, and a planarization layer covering the transistor. The OLED array substrate further includes a touch sensor integrated in the OLED array substrate, wherein the touch sensor is located on a side of the planarization layer facing away from the transistor, and the touch sensor includes first touch electrodes and second touch electrodes insulated from each other.