OLED Display Structure with Narrow Partition Walls for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Moisture ingress into the organic layer of OLEDs in display devices leads to degradation in display quality, such as decreased luminance.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration featuring a substrate, display elements, partition walls, a metal layer, and inorganic layers, where the partition walls have a specific shape with a narrower second portion and a metal layer covering certain side surfaces, combined with inorganic layers to protect against moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the organic layer is used as a display element in OLEDs, then light emission and display functionality are achieved, but moisture ingress causes degradation in display quality and luminance
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure is divided into multiple inorganic layers (first inorganic layer, second inorganic layer) with a resin layer in between, creating a segmented barrier system that provides comprehensive moisture protection while maintaining the organic layer's light emission functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite encapsulation structure combining inorganic layers (for moisture barrier) and organic resin layer (for flexibility and adhesion), creating a multi-material system that simultaneously protects against moisture ingress and maintains display quality
2Reliability
If conventional encapsulation structures are used, then moisture protection is provided, but manufacturing complexity and process difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation is segmented into distinct inorganic and organic layers formed through separate manufacturing steps, allowing each layer to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular construction
Solution Approach 2:
The resin layer acts as a flexible intermediate film between the rigid inorganic layers, providing stress relief and improving adhesion, which simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing cracking and delamination issues
3Ease of manufacture
If the organic layer is directly exposed, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but moisture reaches the organic layer causing display quality degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic encapsulation layers are formed preliminarily during the manufacturing process to create a moisture barrier before the organic layer is fully exposed, preventing moisture ingress from the beginning while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through integrated processing
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
This configuration effectively prevents moisture from reaching the organic layer, thereby enhancing display quality by reducing luminance degradation and potential dark spots.
Implementation Method 1
an inorganic layer formed of an inorganic material to cover the display elements, the partition wall, and the metal layer
Implementation Method 2
an organic layer emitting light by applying a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a display device comprises a substrate, display elements, a partition wall, a metal layer, and an inorganic layer. Each of the display elements comprises first and second electrode and an organic layer. The partition wall is between the display elements. The metal layer is along the partition wall. The inorganic layer covers the display elements, the partition wall, and the metal layer. The partition wall includes a first portion, and a second portion which is smaller in width than the first portion. The metal layer covers a first area on a side surface of the second portion. The inorganic layer covers a second area on the side surface. The second area is between the first area and the first portion.