OLED Fine Metal Mask Supporting Structure Curling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing fine metal mask (FMM) design for OLED devices experiences instability due to the curling of the supporting structure's middle portion during the welding process, affecting the evaporated pattern's stability and increasing the risk of evaporation defects.
Innovation Solution
The proposed mask design features strip-shaped supporting structures with intermediate portions of greater width and extension portions, where fixing points are strategically placed in transition areas within grooves to maintain tension and prevent curling, along with a cutting slot for easier repair and improved substrate fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supporting structure is designed with greater width in the middle and smaller width at both ends to increase welding area, then the welding stability is improved, but the middle portion curls downward during welding process affecting structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is designed with varying width at different locations: greater width at the middle portion for increased welding area and stability, and smaller width at extension portions for reduced curling. This local quality differentiation allows the structure to have different properties in different regions, resolving the contradiction between welding stability and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting structure is divided into distinct segments: a middle portion with greater width and extension portions with smaller width. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific function - the middle portion provides welding stability while the extension portions maintain structural stability by reducing curling during the welding process.
2Ease of manufacture
If the supporting structure is stretched to be in tension state during welding, then the welding process can be completed, but the middle portion with greater width curls downward affecting evaporated pattern stability
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure employs local quality differentiation with varying width across different sections. The extension portions have smaller width that reduces curling tendency during welding, while the middle portion has greater width for adequate welding area. This allows the structure to be stretched into tension state for welding completion while maintaining evaporated pattern stability.
3Reliability
If the width of groove on frame is reduced to increase welding area, then the welding area between FMM sheet and frame is increased, but the supporting structure stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure uses local quality variation with greater width at the middle portion where welding occurs, providing both adequate welding area and structural stability. The extension portions have smaller width that prevents excessive curling. This local differentiation allows the groove width to be optimized for welding area while maintaining supporting structure stability through the varying cross-section design.
Data Source
AI summary
A mask and an assembling method are provided. The mask includes a plurality of strip-shaped supporting structures; a mask sheet supported by adjacent supporting structures, having a mask pattern; and a frame having an opening area; each of the supporting structures includes an intermediate portion and extension portions at both ends of the supporting structure, a width of the intermediate portion is greater than a width of each of the extension portions; the frame is provided with a groove connected with the opening area; and the extension portions of the supporting structure and an transition area in the intermediate portion close to the extension portion are located in the groove, and a fixing point configured to fix the supporting structure with the groove is at least disposed in the transition area.