Flexible Display Encapsulation via Segmented Unit Layers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible display apparatuses with thin-film encapsulation layers face reduced flexibility and damage when their shape is modified, as these layers are formed across the entire display area, compromising the apparatus's ability to be bent or rolled without sustaining damage.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus design featuring a substrate with islands and connection portions, where each unit display portion includes a thin film transistor, an organic light-emitting diode, and a planarization layer with a recess, sealed by an encapsulation layer comprising organic and inorganic layers, which are in contact at the perimeter, and a step compensation layer to manage stress during shape modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thin-film encapsulation layer is formed across the entire display area, then the encapsulation and protection function is improved, but the flexibility of the display apparatus deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation layer is divided into multiple independent unit encapsulation layers, each corresponding to a specific unit display portion. These unit encapsulation layers are formed separately rather than as a continuous layer across the entire display area, allowing the spaces between them to maintain flexibility while still providing effective encapsulation where needed.
2Reliability
If a thin-film encapsulation layer is formed across the entire display area, then the protection function is improved, but the durability during shape modification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure is segmented into discrete unit encapsulation layers positioned over individual unit display portions. This segmentation prevents the formation of continuous stress paths that would occur in a full-area encapsulation layer, thereby improving durability when the display apparatus undergoes shape modifications such as bending or folding.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation layer is applied locally only to the unit display portions rather than uniformly across the entire display area. This local quality approach provides protection exactly where the display elements are located while leaving the surrounding areas flexible and resistant to damage during shape modification.
3Reliability
If the encapsulation layer is formed continuously, then the sealing effect is improved, but the flexibility and shape adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous encapsulation layer is replaced with multiple discrete unit encapsulation layers, each providing sealing for its corresponding unit display portion. The gaps between these unit encapsulation layers maintain flexibility and allow the display apparatus to adapt to various shapes without compromising the sealing effect within each enclosed region.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes: a substrate; a plurality of unit display portions, each including a thin film transistor located on the substrate and including at least one inorganic layer, a display element electrically connected to the thin film transistor, and a planarization layer located between the thin film transistor and the display element; and an encapsulation layer sealing each of the plurality of unit display portions, the planarization layer including a recess that is concave in a depth direction from a side of the display element.