Nested Metal Edge Structure for Moisture Barrier in Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in achieving high luminance while effectively blocking moisture, particularly in areas around through holes where optical devices are disposed.
Innovation Solution
A display device design that includes a substrate with a display area surrounding a through hole, featuring a light-emitting element with a pixel electrode, emissive layer, and common electrode, along with an edge structure comprising a lower and upper metal stack, and a first inorganic encapsulation film that contacts the light-emitting element and edge structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a through hole is created in the display device for optical devices, then the functionality and versatility of the display device is improved, but moisture can permeate into the display area through the through hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested barrier structure where multiple protective layers are arranged concentrically around the through hole. The edge structure includes a lower metal stack and an upper metal stack positioned at different heights, with the upper stack nested within the protection zone of the lower stack. This nested arrangement creates multiple barriers that moisture must penetrate sequentially, effectively blocking moisture while maintaining the through hole's functionality for optical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar barrier to a three-dimensional multi-level barrier structure. The edge structure extends vertically with the lower metal stack at a first height and the upper metal stack at a second height, creating a stepped protection zone. This dimensional extension allows the barrier to block moisture approaching from different angles and heights while preserving the through hole's optical functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If the non-display area is reduced to increase display area, then the aesthetics and immersion are improved, but it becomes more difficult to protect moisture-sensitive areas around through holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating enhanced protective features specifically at the through hole region where moisture risk is highest. The edge structure with its multi-layer metal stacks and varying widths is localized around the through hole rather than uniformly distributed across the entire device. This allows the display area to be maximized while providing intensified moisture protection precisely where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures in the edge protection system. The lower metal stack includes multiple sub-metal layers (first, second, third sub-metal layers) with different widths, and the upper metal stack similarly comprises multiple sub-metal layers. This composite arrangement combines materials and structures with different properties to create a robust moisture barrier that is more effective than single-material solutions, enabling reliable protection in reduced non-display area configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes: a substrate including a display area and a middle area; a light-emitting element on the display area, and including: a pixel electrode; an emissive layer; and a common electrode; an edge structure on the middle area, and including a lower metal stack and an upper metal stack; and a first inorganic encapsulation film on the light-emitting element and the edge structure. The lower metal stack includes a first sub-metal layer, a second sub-metal layer, and a third sub-metal layer. The upper metal stack includes a fourth sub-metal layer and a fifth sub-metal layer. A width of the first sub-metal layer is greater than a width of the third sub-metal layer, the width of the third sub-metal layer is greater than a width of the second sub-metal layer, and a width of the fifth sub-metal layer is greater than a width of the fourth sub-metal layer.