Flexible Display Encapsulation with Island Substrates and Trenches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thin film encapsulation layers in flexible display apparatuses degrade the flexibility of the display and can be damaged when the shape of the apparatus is changed, as they are integrally formed with the display and lack effective moisture and oxygen barrier properties.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus design featuring a substrate with islands and connection units, where the encapsulation layer contacts exposed inorganic layers via trenches, using a combination of inorganic and organic layers, including silicon oxide with carbon and hydrogen, to enhance flexibility and prevent moisture and oxygen infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thin film encapsulation layer is integrally formed with the display apparatus to block moisture and oxygen infiltration, then the barrier performance is improved, but the flexibility of the display apparatus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation layer is divided into multiple independent segments corresponding to different display regions. Each segment is formed over conductive patterns in specific regions, creating a modular structure that maintains barrier performance where needed while allowing flexibility in other areas. The conductive patterns themselves are segmented into multiple layers that can move independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation layer is selectively formed only in regions where moisture and oxygen barrier performance is critical, such as over conductive patterns and in specific display regions. Areas that require flexibility, such as bendable portions and non-display regions, are left without encapsulation or have reduced encapsulation, creating local variations in protective quality that balance barrier performance with flexibility requirements.
2Reliability
If a thin film encapsulation layer is integrally formed with the display apparatus to block moisture and oxygen infiltration, then the barrier performance is improved, but the encapsulation layer may be damaged when the shape of the display apparatus is changed
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation layer is segmented into multiple independent sections that can move and deform independently of each other. This segmentation prevents stress concentration that would occur in an integral encapsulation layer during shape changes, reducing the risk of cracking or damage while maintaining barrier performance in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation structure is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing it to adapt its shape and configuration in response to changes in the display apparatus. The segmented design enables the encapsulation layer to flex and deform without maintaining a fixed rigid structure, thereby preventing damage during shape changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the substrate includes islands and connection units with through holes to improve flexibility, then the flexibility is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into discrete islands connected by connection units, creating a modular architecture. Through holes are strategically positioned in connection units to further segment the structure and reduce material usage. This segmentation approach achieves flexibility through a systematic modular design rather than ad-hoc modifications, making the complexity more manageable and manufacturable.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a substrate; a plurality of display units on the substrate, each including a thin film transistor including at least one inorganic layer, a passivation layer on the thin film transistor, and a display device electrically connected to the thin film transistor; and a plurality of encapsulation layers respectively encapsulating the plurality of display units. The substrate includes a plurality of islands spaced apart, a plurality of connection units connecting the plurality of islands, and a plurality of through holes penetrating through the substrate between the plurality of connection units. The plurality of display units are on the plurality of islands, respectively. The at least one inorganic layer and the passivation layer extend on the plurality of connection units. The passivation layer includes a trench exposing the at least one inorganic layer. The encapsulation layer contacts the at least one inorganic layer exposed via the trench.