Flexible OLED Substrate with Incompressible Liquid Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bendable OLED displays face challenges in maintaining performance and durability due to stress-induced deformation, which can lead to deterioration of characteristics and damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible substrate with incompressible liquid layers, specifically a first and second incompressible liquid layer, disposed strategically to reduce strain and enhance mechanical resistance, allowing the OLED display to be bent without deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible substrate is used to enable bending, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to stress-induced deformation and wiring disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an incompressible liquid layer at specific locations within the OLED structure, particularly at the pixel electrode and organic emission layer interfaces. This localized application of incompressible material provides targeted stress resistance where needed most during bending, without requiring the entire device to be rigid. The liquid layer is positioned to coincide with the neutral plane during bending, maximizing its effectiveness in preventing deformation while maintaining overall device flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines traditionally rigid OLED components (electrodes, organic layers) with an incompressible liquid layer to create a composite structure. This composite approach allows the device to exhibit both flexibility from the substrate and stress resistance from the liquid layer, resolving the contradiction between bendability and structural integrity. The liquid layer acts as a stress-distributing medium that prevents wiring disconnection and layer delamination.
2Strength
If the OLED structure is made rigid to prevent deformation, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to bend
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the protective layer from solid (rigid) to liquid (incompressible). This parameter change allows the material to maintain volume and resist compression forces during bending while still allowing the overall structure to flex. The incompressible liquid layer maintains constant density and volume under stress, providing deformation resistance without sacrificing the flexibility needed for bending operations.
3Strength
If incompressible liquid layer is added to prevent deformation, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies hydraulic principles by using an incompressible liquid layer within the OLED structure. The liquid layer functions similarly to hydraulic dampers or shock absorbers, where the incompressibility of the liquid provides natural resistance to deformation forces. This approach leverages fundamental fluid mechanics properties rather than requiring complex mechanical structures, thereby providing strength enhancement with relatively simple integration into the existing OLED layer stack.
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 use of incompressible liquid layers increases resistance to deformation, enabling the OLED display to maintain stable performance and prevent damage when bent, ensuring consistent display quality.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible substrate includes a first incompressible liquid layer
Data Source
AI summary
A display device and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. In one aspect, the display device includes a flexible substrate, a thin film transistor (TFT) disposed over the flexible substrate, a first electrode disposed over the TFT, and a second electrode disposed over the first electrode. The flexible substrate includes a first incompressible liquid layer.