Flexible OLED Panel Connection via Conductive Epoxy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting diode (OLED) panels face challenges in establishing a reliable, flexible, and accurately positioned electrical pathway that maintains a thin profile and is cost-effective, while ensuring hermetic sealing and uniform illumination of large areas.
Innovation Solution
A flexible light panel with a flat flex cable and conductive epoxy connection system, utilizing zero insertion force connectors and conductive pads with openings for easy positioning and adhesive application, allows for a simple one-stage connection of OLED devices, maintaining flexibility and hermetic sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid connection methods are used for OLED panels, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but panel flexibility and thin profile are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible printed circuit boards (FPC) with thin film structures to establish electrical connections. The FPC includes a flexible substrate with conductive traces that can bend and conform to the OLED panel's shape, maintaining both connection reliability and panel flexibility. The thin film nature of the FPC ensures a thin overall profile while providing stable electrical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system uses composite structures combining flexible substrate materials (such as polyimide), conductive materials (such as copper traces with protective coatings), and adhesive layers. This composite approach allows the connection medium to simultaneously provide electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and bonding strength, resolving the contradiction between reliability and adaptability.
2Manufacturing precision
If complex multi-stage connection processes are used, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The FPC is pre-formed with precisely positioned conductive traces and connection terminals before assembly. The flexible circuit board is manufactured with accurate trace routing and pad locations, allowing for precise electrical connections to be achieved in a single assembly step without requiring complex multi-stage alignment processes during final assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the FPC structure: electrical connection, mechanical support, and positioning alignment are all integrated into a single component. The connection terminal on the FPC simultaneously provides electrical contact and mechanical positioning features, eliminating the need for separate alignment fixtures or multiple connection steps, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A light panel includes a light source having a generally planar, light emitting surface and a perimeter edge. A backsheet is disposed in substantially parallel relation with the light emitting surface, and an electrical feed-through region extends through the backsheet at a location spaced inwardly from the perimeter. A generally planar, flexible connector cable extends over the backsheet from the perimeter to the electrical feed-through region for establishing electrical connection with the light source. Openings in conductive pads provided in the flexible cable permit a conductive material to be inserted there through and mechanically and electrically interconnect the cable and the light panel.