Folded Flexible Substrate Moisture Absorption for OLED Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production process for flexible OLED displays is complicated due to the need for multiple components and complex sealing of moisture absorbents, which can be detrimental to the lifespan of the OLEDs, especially when exposed to external factors like oxygen and moisture.
Innovation Solution
A flexible display device design featuring a flexible substrate with a display area and a moisture absorption area, where the substrate is folded to position the display and moisture absorption areas oppositely, with a sealant along the edges to enclose the moisture absorption layer, simplifying the manufacturing process and improving moisture absorption capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a moisture absorbent is included in the sealing substrate to protect OLED from moisture and oxygen, then the reliability of the OLED is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the moisture absorbent formation process with the sealing substrate formation process into a single integrated step. The moisture absorbent is formed directly on the sealing substrate in the same manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing substrate serves multiple functions: it provides structural sealing for the OLED and simultaneously serves as the substrate for forming the moisture absorbent. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while ensuring comprehensive protection against moisture and oxygen.
2Reliability
If multiple components and complex sealing processes are used to protect OLED, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process merges the formation of the sealing substrate and the moisture absorbent into a single integrated process step. This reduces the total number of manufacturing steps and simplifies production while ensuring reliable protection of the OLED from environmental degradation.
3Reliability
If a flexible substrate is folded to position display and moisture absorption areas oppositely, then the moisture absorption capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (folding) to position the moisture absorption area in direct contact with the display area through spatial rearrangement. By folding the flexible substrate, the moisture absorbent can effectively protect the OLED from multiple directions, enhancing protection capability while utilizing the flexibility of the substrate.
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
This design simplifies the formation of the moisture absorption layer, enhances the flexibility and moisture absorption of the display device, and reduces the complexity of the production process while effectively protecting the OLEDs from external moisture and oxygen.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture absorption layer at the moisture absorption area
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible display device including: a flexible substrate having a display area and a moisture absorption area at a surface; a display unit at the display area; a moisture absorption layer at the moisture absorption area; and a sealant along an edge of the display area and configured to seal the moisture absorption layer and the display unit. The flexible substrate is configured to be folded at least one time, and the display area and the moisture absorption area are opposite to each other.