Flexible Display Encapsulation with Local Scratch Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible display devices face challenges in manufacturing processes that lead to damage, increased material costs, and reduced productivity due to the vulnerability of encapsulation layers to scratches and the need for additional protective layers that complicate the manufacturing process.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a substrate with a bending area protected by a nano-structured encapsulation layer and a separate bending area protection layer, using UV-curable materials like acrylate-based polymers, which are applied selectively through inkjet printing to reduce damage and simplify the manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an encapsulation layer is used to protect the organic light emitting element, then the reliability is improved, but the encapsulation layer becomes vulnerable to scratches and damage during manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is divided into two separate layers: the encapsulation layer for protecting the organic light emitting element and the bending area protection layer for protecting against scratches and damage during manufacturing. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The bending area protection layer is applied beforehand to the substrate's bending area to provide cushioning and protection against scratches and damage during subsequent manufacturing processes. This prior protective measure prevents harmful factors from affecting the encapsulation layer.
2Reliability
If additional protective layers are added to prevent damage, then the reliability is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding protective layers throughout the entire device, the bending area protection layer is applied locally only to the bending area of the substrate where damage is most likely to occur. This localized approach provides necessary protection while minimizing the complexity of the manufacturing process.
3Reliability
If multiple protective layers are applied, then the reliability is improved, but the material cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bending area protection layer is applied only to the specific bending area of the substrate rather than covering the entire device surface. This localized application reduces the quantity of protective material needed while maintaining effective protection where it is most needed, thereby reducing material cost.
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 prevents damage during manufacturing, reduces material costs, and enhances productivity by simplifying the process while maintaining the flexibility and durability of the display device.
Implementation Method 1
providing a bending area protection layer on the bending area of the substrate... The bending area protection layer may include a cured portion of an ultraviolet ray curable material
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a bending area at which the display device is bendable; an organic light emitting element disposed on the substrate; an encapsulation layer covering an upper surface and a side surface of the organic light emitting element; and a bending area protection layer covering the bending area of the substrate. The upper surface of the encapsulation layer includes a nano structure defined by nano sized protrusions and depressions of the upper surface, and along the substrate, and the bending area is disposed separated from the encapsulation layer.