Nested Through-Hole Display Device Prevents Panel Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices with hole regions for electronic devices face issues of panel layer damage during through-hole formation and moisture/foreign substance permeation, leading to display defects.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a substrate with a first through-hole and a panel layer that includes a second through-hole surrounding the first, with an inorganic encapsulation layer covering a groove in the panel layer to prevent damage and moisture ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a through-hole is formed in the substrate and panel layer to create a hole region, then the hole region can be provided for electronic device placement, but the panel layer may be damaged during the forming process and moisture/foreign substances may permeate through the through-hole

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole region for electronic deviceVSAvoidpanel layer integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested structure where a first through-hole is formed in the substrate, and a second through-hole is formed in the panel layer that surrounds the first hole region. This nested arrangement allows the second through-hole to act as a protective barrier, preventing moisture and foreign substances from directly accessing the first through-hole while still allowing the electronic device to be positioned in the first hole region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The second through-hole is formed in advance before the final assembly, creating a pre-established protective barrier. The groove is also formed in the panel layer at the location of the second through-hole, and the inorganic encapsulation layer is deposited to cover this groove, creating a preliminary protective structure that prevents damage and permeation before the device is fully assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a through-hole is formed in the panel layer, then the hole region is created, but display defects may occur at the periphery of the through-hole due to panel layer damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole regionVSAvoiddisplay quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The nested arrangement of the second through-hole surrounding the first hole region creates a buffer zone that protects the display area from damage. The second through-hole is positioned such that it surrounds the hole region where the electronic device will be placed, creating a protective margin that prevents forming devices from damaging the display pixels during the through-hole formation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove is formed in the panel layer at the precise location where the second through-hole will be created, and the inorganic encapsulation layer is deposited to cover this groove before the second through-hole is formed. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the second through-hole is formed, the surrounding panel layer is already protected, preventing display defects at the periphery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a through-hole is formed in the substrate and panel layer, then the hole region is provided, but moisture and foreign substances may permeate through the through-hole causing display defects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole region for electronic deviceVSAvoidmoisture and foreign substance permeation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The nested structure of the second through-hole surrounding the first hole region creates a barrier that blocks moisture and foreign substances. The second through-hole, being formed in the panel layer and surrounding the first through-hole, acts as a protective ring that prevents harmful substances from reaching the first through-hole and penetrating into the display device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The groove is formed in the panel layer and the inorganic encapsulation layer is deposited to cover the groove before the second through-hole is formed. This preliminary encapsulation creates a protective barrier that prevents moisture and foreign substances from permeating through the second through-hole and reaching the first through-hole, thereby blocking the permeation path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20240040860A1Display device

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device includes: a substrate defining a first through-hole of a first hole region; and a panel layer on the substrate, and defining a second through-hole that surrounds the first hole region in a plan view, the panel layer including: a base layer defining a groove surrounding a second hole region in a plan view, the second hole region overlapping with the second through-hole; an organic light emitting layer including a cut part overlapping with the groove, and having an edge defining a portion of the second through-hole; and an inorganic encapsulation layer on the organic light emitting layer, and covering the groove, the inorganic encapsulation layer having an edge defining a portion of the second through-hole.