Liquid-repellent Layer Concavo-convex Structure for Display Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
In organic light-emitting display apparatuses, the liquid-repellent properties of peripheral layers degrade during manufacturing processes, affecting the reliability of the light-emitting device.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a substrate, pixel electrode, and a liquid-repellent layer having a concavo-convex structure, comprising a first and second liquid-repellent agent with different surface energies, where the second agent serves as a sacrificial layer to maintain liquid-repellency after plasma cleaning, and a polymeric material with a specific molecular weight and side chain ratio to ensure the liquid-repellent layer's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a liquid-repellent layer is formed on the pixel defining layer, then the liquid-repellent property is maintained, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-repellent layer is formed on the pixel defining layer before the plasma cleaning process. This preliminary action ensures that the liquid-repellent property is established in advance, preventing degradation during subsequent manufacturing steps without requiring additional corrective measures later in the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies particular parameters for the liquid-repellent layer including thickness between 30-70 nm and surface energy of 15 dyne/cm or less. By optimizing these parameters, the layer maintains liquid-repellent properties while being compatible with standard manufacturing processes, thus not significantly increasing process complexity.
2Productivity
If plasma cleaning is performed to remove liquid-repellent material from the pixel electrode, then the light-emitting efficiency is improved, but the liquid-repellent property of the pixel defining layer degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-repellent layer is positioned specifically on the pixel defining layer rather than uniformly across all surfaces. This localized application ensures that the plasma cleaning process can effectively clean the pixel electrode surface to improve light-emitting efficiency, while the liquid-repellent property is maintained where it is most needed - on the pixel defining layer boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid-repellent layer is formed on the pixel defining layer before plasma cleaning. This preliminary protective action ensures that even when plasma cleaning removes liquid-repellent material from the pixel electrode, the pixel defining layer retains its liquid-repellent property, preventing degradation.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the liquid-repellent layer thickness is increased to maintain property stability, then the liquid-repellent durability is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies an optimal thickness range of 30-70 nm for the liquid-repellent layer. This parameter optimization balances durability with manufacturability - the thickness is sufficient to maintain liquid-repellent properties through manufacturing processes, yet thin enough to be controlled within standard manufacturing tolerances without requiring extreme precision.
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
The solution enhances the reliability of the light-emitting device while maintaining the liquid-repellent properties of the peripheral layers, improving the light-emitting efficiency and lifespan by forming a stable concavo-convex structure on the liquid-repellent layer.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid-repellent layer has an upper surface having a concavo-convex structure... Each of the first liquid-repellent agent and the second liquid-repellent agent may have a surface energy of 15 dyne/cm or less
Implementation Method 2
irradiating plasma to remove a liquid-repellent layer remaining on an upper surface of the pixel electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes a light-emitting device with improved reliability while maintaining liquid-repellent properties of peripheral layers after plasma irradiation. The display apparatus includes: a substrate; a pixel electrode disposed on the substrate; a pixel defining layer disposed on the pixel electrode and having an opening that exposes a central portion of the pixel electrode; and a liquid-repellent layer disposed on the pixel defining layer and having an upper surface having a concavo-convex structure.