Foldable OLED Protector Layer Layout for Neutral Plane Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foldable display devices with light emitting elements face challenges in maintaining the integrity and functionality of these elements, particularly in the foldable parts, leading to defects and reduced yield.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a flexible substrate with organic light emitting units in both flat and foldable regions, where the foldable region has a thicker protector layer compared to the flat region, adjusting the neutral plane to enhance adhesion and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If light emitting elements are disposed in foldable parts of the foldable display device, then the device can provide portability and expandability, but the light emitting elements easily have defects and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thickness specifications to protector layers at different locations: the first protector layer at the foldable part has a first thickness, while the second protector layer at the flat part has a second thickness. This local differentiation allows the foldable region to have enhanced protection against stress and deformation during folding, while the flat region maintains adequate protection without excessive material, thereby improving light emitting element reliability in the foldable zone while preserving overall device adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protector layers (first and second protectors) that are disposed before the light emitting elements are subjected to folding stress. These protector layers serve as preventive cushioning structures that absorb and distribute mechanical stress during the folding process, preventing direct stress transmission to the light emitting elements and thereby preventing defects before they occur
2Ease of manufacture
If a uniform thickness protector layer is used across the entire display device, then manufacturing is simplified, but the foldable region experiences higher stress and damage probability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the first protector layer at the foldable part has a first thickness while the second protector layer at the flat part has a second thickness, creating a non-uniform thickness distribution. This local quality differentiation targets the foldable region with enhanced protection where stress concentration occurs during folding, while maintaining simpler manufacturing processes in the flat region, thus improving reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing
Data Source
AI summary
A light emitting device includes a substrate, a plurality of light emitting parts disposed on the substrate, an organic layer disposed on at least one of the plurality of light emitting parts, a circuit layer disposed on the substrate, and a first layer disposed between the organic layer and the circuit layer.