OLED Display Panel Crack Prevention via Etching Layer Convex Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The propagation of cracks in OLED display panels during cutting or transportation can lead to failure due to the embrittlement of inorganic films, causing water and oxygen to penetrate and damage the display components, resulting in reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
An organic electroluminescent display panel design featuring an etching layer with a convex shape and a thin film encapsulation structure comprising alternating layers of inorganic and organic films, where the inorganic film is broken at the tip of the display component extending beyond the convex, preventing crack propagation and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inorganic film covers the entire base substrate continuously, then the encapsulation completeness is improved, but the crack propagation resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous inorganic film is segmented into multiple sections by introducing etching layer convex structures. These convex structures create intentional discontinuities that divide the inorganic film into separate segments, preventing crack propagation across the entire substrate while maintaining encapsulation effectiveness in the display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The etching layer convex structures are strategically positioned at specific locations where cracks are most likely to propagate. This creates local variations in the film structure, providing crack arrest points at critical locations without compromising the overall encapsulation quality in the display region.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the inorganic film thickness is increased to prevent water and oxygen penetration, then the barrier performance is improved, but the crack susceptibility worsens
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the inorganic film through etching layer convex structures, the film is divided into smaller sections that are less prone to catastrophic failure. Each segment can independently maintain its barrier function even if adjacent segments experience stress, allowing for effective water and oxygen prevention without requiring excessive film thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The etching layer convex structures serve as pre-positioned stress relief features that cushion against crack propagation before cracks can develop. These structures are built into the design in advance to prevent the worst-case scenario of continuous crack propagation through the entire inorganic film layer.
3Reliability
If the display component extends beyond the convex etching layer, then the crack propagation path is interrupted, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The etching layer convex structures are merged with the existing display component layout and encapsulation process. The convex structures are formed using the same etching processes already employed in manufacturing, integrating the crack prevention feature into the existing device architecture without requiring separate manufacturing steps or additional structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an organic electroluminescent display panel, a preparation method thereof, and a display device. In the organic electroluminescent display panel provided in the present disclosure, an etching layer comprising at least a convex with a narrow upper portion and a wide upper portion is disposed between a base substrate and a plurality of display components, wherein a top surface of the convex is in an display area of the base substrate, a display component on an edge of the display area of the base substrate extends beyond the convex, and an inorganic film of a thin film encapsulation structure is broken at a tip of the display component extending beyond the convex.