Double-Faced OLED Display Buffer Layer Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional double-faced display apparatuses have larger thickness, weight, and higher production costs due to their construction from two single-faced display apparatuses, and the drying agent can cause damage to the organic light-emitting diode (OLED) due to expansion, affecting the display quality.

Innovation Solution

A double-faced display apparatus design featuring a first and second transparent substrate, frame adhesive, OLEDs, buffer layers, and absorbent layers, where the buffer layers provide shockproof protection between the absorbent and OLED layers, allowing for reduced thickness, weight, and production costs, and improving display quality by preventing damage from absorbent layer expansion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two single-faced display apparatuses are combined to form a double-faced display apparatus, then the display apparatus can display on both sides, but the thickness and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble-faced display capabilityVSAvoidweight of display apparatus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two display apparatuses into a single integrated structure by sharing common components (substrate, encapsulation layer, drying agent) between the front and back displays, thereby achieving double-faced functionality while reducing overall weight compared to stacking two separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulation layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the sealing structure for the OLED and the drying agent container, eliminating the need for separate drying agent housings in each single-faced device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the drying agent absorbs water, then the water content in the display apparatus is reduced, but the volume increases and the drying agent deforms to press the OLED

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater protection capabilityVSAvoidstructural integrity of OLED

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a buffer layer between the drying agent and the OLED that provides cushioning space, allowing the drying agent to expand when absorbing water without exerting excessive pressure on the OLED, thus preventing damage while maintaining water protection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer layer acts as an intermediary element between the drying agent and the OLED, mediating the mechanical interaction by absorbing expansion forces and preventing direct contact pressure from reaching the sensitive OLED structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a buffer layer is added between the drying agent and OLED, then the OLED is protected from damage, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOLED protection from expansion damageVSAvoidlayer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encapsulation layer is segmented into multiple functional sub-layers: a lower encapsulation layer in contact with the OLED, a buffer layer for expansion accommodation, and an upper encapsulation layer containing the drying agent. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 results in a thinner, lighter, and more cost-effective double-faced display apparatus with enhanced quality by preventing damage to the OLEDs from absorbent layer expansion and providing shockproof protection, thus improving overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

a buffer layer with buffer and shockproof effects is formed between an absorbent layer and an OLED

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock absorption: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the drying agent 16 absorbing water would lead to the increase of weight and volume of the display apparatus

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8018147B2Dual display apparatus having buffer layer

Publication Date: 2011.09.13 AU OPTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A double-faced display apparatus includes a first transparent substrate, second transparent substrate, frame adhesive, first OELD, second OELD, first buffer layer, second buffer layer, first absorbent layer and second absorbent layer. The second transparent substrate is disposed in parallel to the first transparent substrate. The frame adhesive is disposed between the first transparent substrate and second transparent substrate for defining a space. The first OELD is disposed in the space and located on the first transparent substrate. The second OELD is disposed in the space and located on the second transparent substrate. The first buffer layer is disposed in the space and covers the first OELD. The second buffer layer is disposed in the space and covering the second OELD. The first absorbent layer is disposed in the space and covers the first buffer layer. The second absorbent layer is disposed in the space and covers the second buffer layer.