Flexible Coating Layer for Laser Release Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Display apparatuses face issues with damage to pad portions and lines during the laser release process due to water permeation and the inflexibility of metal masks, which affects the reliability and lifespan of organic light-emitting display devices.
Innovation Solution
A coating layer containing a moisture-proof insulating member and a light-shielding material is applied between the pixel array layer and the circuit film on the pad portion, providing flexibility and shielding properties to prevent water and laser damage during the laser release process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metal mask is used during the laser release process to prevent damage, then the pad portion and lines are protected from laser, but the metal mask is not flexible and cannot accommodate flexible display requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid metal mask with a flexible coating layer that can conform to flexible substrates. This coating layer is applied directly to the substrate and provides laser shielding while maintaining flexibility, enabling the display to be bent or stretched without damage to the pad portion and lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical metal mask system with a deposited coating layer system. Instead of using a physical mask that requires alignment and removal, the laser shielding function is integrated into the substrate structure through thin film deposition, eliminating the need for separate masking steps and enabling flexibility.
2Productivity
If the glass substrate is removed through laser release process, then the display panel can be separated, but the pad portion and lines on the lower substrate are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coating layer as an intermediary between the laser source and the pad portion/lines. This coating layer absorbs or reflects the laser energy, preventing it from reaching and damaging the pad portion and lines during the glass substrate removal process, while still allowing the laser to effectively release the glass substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating layer is applied in advance before the laser release process to preemptively protect the pad portion and lines. This preliminary protective measure ensures that when the laser is subsequently applied to remove the glass substrate, the sensitive pad portion and lines are already shielded and cannot be damaged.
3Manufacturing precision
If organic light emitting display device is used, then high definition is achieved, but the device is vulnerable to water whereby reliability and lifespan are deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The coating layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides laser shielding during manufacturing, acts as a moisture barrier to protect the organic light emitting materials, and maintains flexibility for flexible displays. This multi-functional coating eliminates the need for separate protective layers for each function.
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 enhances the flexibility and bond stiffness of the coating layer, preventing water and particle permeation, and shields the pad portion and lines from damage, making it suitable for flexible and stretchable displays while maintaining reliability and lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
the coating layer contains a light-shielding material... shields the pad portion and lines from damage
Implementation Method 2
mixing a moisture-proof insulating member having a hydrophobic property... prevent water from being permeated into the pixel array layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus is disclosed, which comprises a substrate including a pixel array layer and a pad portion connected to the pixel array layer; a circuit film attached to the pad portion; and a coating layer provided between the pixel array layer and the circuit film on the pad portion, wherein the coating layer contains a light-shielding material, whereby flexibility of the coating layer and bond stiffness of a circuit film may be secured and the pad portion and lines may be prevented from being damaged during a laser release process.