Laser Frit Sealing for OLED Crack Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hermetic sealing of organic light emitting displays (OLEDs) often results in minute cracks and peeling due to temperature fluctuations and unbalanced thermal expansion, leading to unreliable seals.

Innovation Solution

The use of a laser irradiation method to heat and soften frit, which is then physically pressed to create a strong bond between substrates, enhancing adhesion and reducing the likelihood of cracks during the sealing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hermetic sealing methods are used, then sealing is achieved, but minute cracks and peeling occur due to temperature fluctuations and unbalanced thermal expansion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal reliabilityVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies laser irradiation to locally and precisely control the temperature of the frit material, changing its physical state from solid to molten and back, thereby improving adhesion without causing unbalanced thermal expansion that leads to cracks and peeling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or thermal field sealing methods with laser irradiation, which provides more precise and localized heating control, avoiding the temperature fluctuations and unbalanced thermal expansion that cause seal failure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If frit is heated to improve adhesion, then bonding strength increases, but temperature control must be precise to avoid damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrit adhesionVSAvoidheating control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses laser irradiation instead of conventional heating methods to achieve precise temperature control of the frit material, enabling strong adhesion without excessive heating that could damage surrounding components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser irradiation method allows localized heating of only the frit material at the sealing interface, maintaining precise temperature control and avoiding thermal damage to adjacent sensitive components while achieving sufficient adhesion strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 method improves the reliability of the hermetic seal by preventing cracks and enhancing the adhesion of frit, thereby ensuring a more stable and durable seal for OLEDs.

Implementation Method 1

heating the frit with the laser irradiation member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

irradiating the frit disposed in a closed curve in a contour region of a lower surface of the first substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser irradiation: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS7807009B2Hermetic sealing apparatus and hermetic sealing method using frit

Publication Date: 2010.10.05 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An hermetic sealing apparatus is discussed. The apparatus may include one or more of the following a glass mask disposed on an upper surface of a first substrate, a support member disposed on an upper surface of the glass mask, a laser irradiation member positioned spaced on the upper surface of the glass mask, a plurality of lower support members disposed in a contour region of a lower surface of the second substrate, and pressing members disposed on a lower surface of the lower support members.