Mask Plate Folding Structure for Narrow Bezel Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mask plates in display technology face challenges in achieving narrow bezel designs due to the structural limitations that result in increased bezel width during the evaporation process, as transition areas are also coated with evaporation material.
Innovation Solution
A mask plate with a folding structure that includes a foldable part and a support part connected to each mask strip, where the foldable part covers the transition area, reducing the coated area and thus the bezel width by sheltering it from the evaporation material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a conventional mask plate structure is used, then the evaporation process can be completed, but the bezel width increases due to coating on transition areas
Solution Approach 1:
The mask plate is divided into multiple mask strips, each independently configured with folding structures. This segmentation allows each mask strip to be optimized separately, with the folding structure creating distinct functional zones (effective evaporation area separated from transition area), thereby reducing the coated area on the substrate and minimizing bezel width.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding structure introduces a vertical dimension by folding the mask strip back, creating overlapping layers. This dimensional change allows the transition area to be positioned in a different spatial plane, reducing its horizontal projection area on the substrate and thereby reducing the bezel width.
2Manufacturing precision
If the mask strip length is increased to cover transition areas, then complete coverage is achieved, but the bezel width increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask strip is segmented into functional zones using the folding structure, which creates a physical separation between the effective evaporation area and the transition area. This segmentation allows precise control of evaporation coverage in the effective area while minimizing the horizontal extent of the transition area coating, thus reducing bezel width.
Solution Approach 2:
By folding the mask strip, the transition area is moved to a different spatial dimension (vertical overlap), reducing its horizontal footprint on the substrate. This allows complete evaporation coverage where needed while minimizing the horizontal extent of transition area coating, achieving precise manufacturing control without increasing bezel width.
3Length of stationary object
If the folding structure is added to the mask plate, then bezel width is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The folding structure is implemented as a modular component on each mask strip, allowing the complexity to be distributed and managed at the strip level rather than requiring a complex overall design. This segmented approach reduces bezel width while keeping the added complexity localized and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding structure introduces dynamic capability to the mask plate, allowing it to be configured in different states (folded/unfolded) depending on the evaporation process requirements. This dynamic feature enables bezel width reduction during evaporation while maintaining ease of handling and installation, balancing complexity with functional benefit.
Data Source
AI summary
A mask plate and an evaporation system. The mask plate includes at least one mask strip. Folding structures are connected to two opposite sides of the at least one mask strip. At least one group of effective evaporation area and transition area located around the effective evaporation areas are arranged on the at least one mask strip. Each folding structure includes a foldable part and a support part connected to each other. The foldable part is connected to the support part and the mask strip. The foldable part and at least part of the support part are sequentially stacked on one side of the two opposite sides of the mask strip, and the foldable part covers at least part of the transition area close to the folding structure of the mask strip.