Getter Systems with Water Transport Layers for OLED Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing getter systems for OLED screens fail to maintain uniform water vapor concentration, leading to degradation and non-homogeneous brightness due to the limitations of traditional getter materials and their interaction with gas impurities, particularly water, which often require thermal activation or result in structural changes and loss of transparency.
Innovation Solution
A getter system comprising one or more deposits of getter material capable of absorbing water, in contact with a layer of transparent material for water transport, arranged laterally with respect to the electroluminescent organic multilayer, allowing for uniform water concentration and broader selection of materials without the need for transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional getter materials (metals, metal alloys) are used to absorb water vapor, then the getter function is activated, but high temperatures (higher than 300°C) are required for thermal activation which makes them unsuitable for devices including organic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the activation temperature parameter from high (300°C+) to low (below 150°C) by selecting different material classes (porous materials like active carbons, zeolites, silica, alumina, and anhydrous chemical desiccants) that inherently require lower temperatures for activation, making them compatible with organic materials in OLEDs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material systems including porous materials combined with anhydrous chemical desiccants, creating a multi-component getter system that achieves effective water vapor absorption at low temperatures without requiring thermal activation above 150°C
2Reliability
If getter materials are placed in contact with organic multilayer to protect from water vapor, then protection is provided, but non-uniform distribution of water vapor concentration occurs leading to spatial non-homogeneity of brightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the getter function into multiple discrete deposits distributed at different locations within the OLED cavity rather than a single集中式 structure, enabling more uniform water vapor concentration distribution and preventing spatial non-homogeneity of brightness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent polymer layer as an intermediary between the water vapor source (adhesive sealing the cavity) and the getter deposits. This layer has H2O transport properties that allow it to convey water vapor molecules to the getter deposits, ensuring uniform protection across the organic multilayer area
3Quantity of substance
If getter material is used to absorb water vapor, then water absorption is achieved, but structural changes and loss of transparency occur in the getter material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite material systems where porous materials (active carbons, zeolites, silica, alumina) are combined with anhydrous chemical desiccants (oxides of alkaline-earth metals, hygroscopic salts). This composite structure distributes the absorption stress and maintains structural stability and transparency even after water vapor absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selects materials whose physical and chemical parameters (structural stability, transparency) remain stable within the operating temperature range (below 150°C), avoiding the structural changes and transparency loss that occur in traditional metal-based getters at high temperatures
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 configuration ensures a uniform water vapor concentration inside OLED screens, preventing degradation and maintaining brightness homogeneity by separating the getter material from the optical path, enabling the use of a wider range of materials without the need for transparency, thus enhancing the performance and longevity of OLED screens.
Implementation Method 1
getter materials... which are useful for the absorption of small molecules such as hydrogen, oxygen, water, carbon oxides
Implementation Method 2
a layer of material for the transport of water... whose function is to convey the water towards the getter material
Data Source
AI summary
Getter systems are provided including one or more deposits of getter materials, wherein at least one of the deposits is in contact with a layer of a material having H2O transport properties.