Foldable OLED Encapsulation with Organic Spacer Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thin film encapsulation structure of OLED devices, with a first inorganic encapsulation layer directly covering a pixel definition layer, results in an uneven surface, increasing the risk of cracks during bending, which affects the reliability and service life of foldable OLED display panels.
Innovation Solution
A foldable OLED display panel with an encapsulation layer comprising an organic layer to fill gaps in the pixel definition layer's folding region, ensuring a flat surface for a subsequent inorganic layer, reducing crack risks and enhancing the panel's service life by using a combination of organic and inorganic layers with spacers to manage the bending stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the first inorganic encapsulation layer directly covers the pixel definition layer, then the encapsulation structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the surface becomes uneven and crack risk increases during bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an organic encapsulation layer as an intermediary between the pixel definition layer and the first inorganic encapsulation layer. This intermediate layer fills the gaps and uneven surfaces created by the pixel definition layer's protrusions, providing a flat foundation for the inorganic layer and reducing stress concentration during bending, thereby preventing cracks while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite encapsulation structure combining organic and inorganic materials. The organic encapsulation layer complements the inorganic layers by providing flexibility and gap-filling properties, while the inorganic layers provide barrier properties. This composite approach balances the advantages of both material types to achieve both manufacturing ease and crack resistance
2Device complexity
If the first inorganic encapsulation layer directly covers the pixel definition layer, then the number of layers is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but the service life decreases due to crack risks
Solution Approach 1:
The organic encapsulation layer serves as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the pixel definition layer and the first inorganic encapsulation layer. By filling the gaps and creating a uniform surface, it eliminates stress concentration points that would lead to cracks during bending, thereby extending the service life of the OLED panel while adding only one intermediate layer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the principle of beforehand cushioning by placing the organic encapsulation layer in advance to fill gaps and cushion the interface between rigid layers. This preventive measure addresses potential crack formation before bending occurs, ensuring long-term reliability and extended service life of the foldable display
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel and an OLED display screen having the fordable OLED display panel are provided. The foldable OLED display panel is provided with an effective display area and a non-display area. The effective display area has a folding region, a first display area and a second display area. The first display area and the second display area are disposed adjacent two lateral sides of the folding region, respectively. The foldable OLED display panel has a first spacer, a second spacer, and an encapsulation layer having a first organic layer and a first inorganic layer. The first organic layer is coated within the folding region and restricted to the folding region by the first spacer and the second spacer. The first inorganic layer is disposed on the first organic layer and completely covers the effective display area.