Encapsulation Cap Bead Reinforcement for OLED Thickness Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing encapsulation caps made from thin metal workpieces in organic light-emitting devices face challenges in maintaining structural strength and preventing deformation, leading to potential contact with structural elements and line failures, which hinder the miniaturization of these devices.

Innovation Solution

The development of an encapsulation cap with a reinforced structure featuring beads or grooves on its inner surface, which are formed through machining, to enhance strength and prevent deformation, allowing for a thinner design without compromising the cap's shape or functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If the thickness of the cap is reduced to slim down the device, then the overall thickness is decreased, but the structural strength is insufficient causing deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethickness of capVSAvoidstructural strength of cap
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by forming beads at specific locations on the cap surface. These beads are not distributed uniformly but are strategically positioned to provide localized reinforcement where structural support is most needed, particularly at the center and edges of the cap, while maintaining thin thickness in other areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes curvature by forming beads with rounded surfaces on the cap. These spherical or hemispherical protrusions distribute stress more effectively compared to flat surfaces, providing enhanced structural strength against deformation while adding minimal thickness. The curved geometry of beads helps resist external pressure and prevents the thin cap from bending.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Quantity of substance

If the thickness of the cap is reduced, then the device can be miniaturized, but deformation occurs causing contact with structural elements and line failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of material in capVSAvoiddevice functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The beads are strategically positioned at critical locations where deformation would most likely occur and cause contact with structural elements. This localized reinforcement ensures that the thin cap maintains its shape and prevents line failures without requiring increased thickness throughout the entire cap structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical geometry of the beads provides superior resistance to deformation compared to flat or angular structures. The curved surfaces distribute applied forces evenly, preventing localized bending that would cause the cap to contact underlying structural elements and cause device failure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS7911138B2Encapsulation cap and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2011.03.22 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US7911138B2 patent drawing
  • US7911138B2 patent drawing
  • US7911138B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an encapsulation cap for a display device having a structure which has a reinforced strength and is not modified although a thickness is decreased, and an encapsulation cap according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprises a first plane part; and a second plane part having at least one bead thereon, and disposed in a plane different from a plane of the first plane part, wherein the second plane part is connected with the first plane part.