Mask Assembly Second Stick Notch for Deposition Precision

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mask assemblies for organic light emitting display devices face challenges in maintaining the desired deposition pattern due to deformation of the support stick under tensile force, leading to improper deposition of organic materials.

Innovation Solution

A mask assembly is designed with a second stick that includes a notch concave portion, allowing for differential tensile forces to be applied, thereby adjusting the degree of bending of the support stick and ensuring precise deposition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a support stick is used to form a non-active area, then the mask assembly can define deposition regions, but the support stick deforms under tensile force causing improper deposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeposition pattern accuracyVSAvoidsupport stick shape stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The support stick is segmented into multiple sections with different cross-sectional areas. The first section has a larger cross-sectional area than the second section, creating a non-uniform structure that allows controlled deformation in the thinner section while maintaining overall structural integrity and positioning function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the support stick have different local properties (cross-sectional areas). The first section has a larger cross-sectional area for structural support, while the second section has a smaller cross-sectional area that allows controlled bending under tensile force, enabling the stick to conform to the mask surface

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Stability of the object's composition

If the support stick is made rigid to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to adjust bending degree for precise deposition is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport stick structural stabilityVSAvoidbending adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support stick transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure with controlled flexibility. The non-uniform cross-sectional design allows the stick to bend to different degrees depending on the applied tensile force, enabling adaptation to different mask surfaces while maintaining structural stability through its segmented design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 adjustable degree of bending of the second stick ensures accurate deposition of organic materials, enhancing the reliability and precision of the mask assembly in forming desired patterns.

Implementation Method 1

the first end portion includes a first notch concave portion in which a central portion of an outer side surface of the first end portion is recessed toward the first center portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential tensile force: Tension

Implementation Method 2

the support stick is deformed by tensile force applied thereto

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBending deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP4495285A1Mask assembly and method of manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4495285A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4495285A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4495285A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mask assembly includes a mask frame including a frame opening, a first stick disposed on the mask frame, overlapping the frame opening, and extending in a first direction to have a first length, a second stick disposed on the first stick, overlapping the frame opening, and extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction to have a second length longer than the first length, and a mask disposed on the second stick and including a mask opening overlapping the frame opening. The second stick includes a first center portion crossing the frame opening and a first end portion extending from the first center portion in the second direction.