Lyophobic Micro-Protrusions on OLED Dam Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inkjet printing for OLED displays faces challenges in defining sub-pixel regions, requiring dams with lyophobic properties to prevent ink droplet splashing and residual issues, leading to non-uniform displays and reduced product quality.
Innovation Solution
A base plate with micron-sized protrusions on the dams and sides, having lyophobic properties, which mimics the 'lotus effect' to facilitate smooth ink droplet flow and prevent residue, ensuring uniform ink distribution and reducing coffee-ring effects during drying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dams with lyophobic property are used to prevent ink droplet splashing, then ink droplet flow smoothness is improved, but residual ink droplets remain on the dams causing non-uniform display
Solution Approach 1:
The dam surface is segmented into multiple micro-protrusions instead of a continuous surface. This segmentation creates discrete lyophobic regions that guide ink droplets along the groove while preventing residual ink accumulation, as each protrusion acts as an independent ink-repelling unit that facilitates complete ink transfer into the groove
Solution Approach 2:
The lyophobic property is localized to specific micro-protrusions on the dam surface rather than being uniformly distributed. The protrusions are strategically positioned to provide lyophobic guidance where needed (at the top and sides of dams) while leaving other areas with different properties, enabling precise control over ink droplet behavior at different locations
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional pixel defining layer is formed before inkjet printing, then sub-pixel regions are defined, but equipment accuracy requirements increase and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-protrusion structures are pre-formed on the pixel defining layer before inkjet printing. This preliminary structuring of the dam surface with lyophobic micro-protrusions prepares the substrate to automatically guide and contain ink droplets, eliminating the need for subsequent precise equipment adjustments and enabling more relaxed printing tolerances
Solution Approach 2:
The surface morphology parameter of the dam is changed from a smooth continuous surface to a micro-protrusion array. This parameter change fundamentally alters how ink droplets interact with the dam surface, enabling larger droplet sizes and more tolerant printing parameters that improve both precision and productivity
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 product quality and display uniformity by allowing large ink droplets to be used effectively, improving production efficiency and reducing equipment accuracy requirements, while preventing non-uniform layers and extending the service life of OLED displays.
Implementation Method 1
the protrusions have lyophobic property
Implementation Method 2
it needs to prevent the ink droplets from climbing along the two sides of the dams during drying by which a coffee-ring with thick edge and thin middle will be resulted
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments of the present disclosure provide a base plate, a manufacturing method thereof and a display panel, relating to the field of display technology. Ink droplets in grooves defined by a pixel defining layer can be spread uniformly, thereby effectively improving the product quality and the display effect. The base plate comprises a substrate and a pixel defining layer arranged on the substrate, wherein the pixel defining layer comprises dams and several micron-sized protrusions arranged on the upper surfaces and sides of the dams; and the protrusions have lyophobic property.