Flexible OLED Connection Lines Through Insulation Openings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional flexible OLED devices face issues with connection lines shorting together due to the removal of insulation layers in bend regions, which compromises their flexibility and functionality.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a substrate with a planarization layer and strategically placing connection lines on the side walls and exposed substrate within openings in the insulation layer, ensuring they are spaced apart to prevent electrical contact and shorting, while allowing for bending or folding without damaging the insulation layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the insulation layer is removed in the bending region to enable flexibility, then the device can be bent or folded, but the connection lines may short together

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidconnection line insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation layer is segmented by creating openings in the bending region, allowing connection lines to be spatially separated and prevented from shorting while maintaining flexibility. The insulation layer is divided into insulating regions and opening regions, with connection lines positioned in openings to ensure proper spacing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection lines are arranged in three-dimensional space by positioning them on side walls of openings and on exposed substrate, utilizing vertical spacing to prevent shorting. This dimensional arrangement allows lines to be closer horizontally while maintaining insulation vertically through the opening structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If connection lines are arranged close together to improve space utilization, then device area is reduced, but the risk of shorting increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice areaVSAvoidconnection line insulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulation structure has different properties in different regions: in the bending region, openings create localized insulation gaps that prevent shorting, while in non-bending regions, the continuous insulation layer provides uniform protection. Connection lines are selectively positioned in openings only where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10686025B2Organic light emitting display device having connection lines passing through a bending region

Publication Date: 2020.06.16 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An organic light emitting display device that includes a substrate that may be flexible, and an insulation layer arranged on the substrate. The insulation layer is perforated by openings to facilitate bending of the display device. A plurality of the connection lines extend from the image producing display area to a peripheral area of the display device to allow for connection to an external device. Each of the openings includes one of the connection lines to prevent shorting together of the connection hues during the patterning step used to pattern the connection lines. In one embodiment, the each of the connection lines extends through the openings and across the sidewalls of the openings. In another embodiment, the connection lines are interposed between two adjacent openings.