OLED Edge Cover Slit Routing for Planarization-Free Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing OLED configurations require a costly planarization film, which increases production costs and can lead to deterioration of the light-emitting element due to water accumulation during photolithography and etching processes.
Innovation Solution
The display device eliminates the need for a planarization film by using a metal layer structure with inorganic insulating films and organic insulating films to form sub-pixel circuits, where routed wires intersect with conductive layers at a slit in the non-display area, allowing for electrical connection without the need for a planarization film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a planarization film is used to form sub-pixel circuits, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but production costs increase and water accumulation occurs during photolithography and etching processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the planarization film from the OLED structure entirely. Instead of using a planarization film to flatten the surface, the invention uses the edge cover itself as a planarizing layer, eliminating the need for separate planarization film deposition and reducing manufacturing steps while preventing water accumulation issues
Solution Approach 2:
The edge cover is given multiple functions: it serves as both the sealing structure for the OLED and as the planarization layer that provides a flat surface for subsequent layers. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate planarization film, reducing material costs and preventing water accumulation during processing
2Shape
If a planarization film is used, then surface flatness is achieved, but production costs increase due to additional materials and processes
Solution Approach 1:
The edge cover performs dual functions as both the sealing structure and the planarization layer. By making the edge cover extend into the display area and providing a flat upper surface, it eliminates the need for a separate planarization film, thereby reducing material costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining surface flatness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function and planarization function into a single component - the edge cover. Instead of having separate sealing structures and planarization films, the edge cover is designed to provide both functions simultaneously, reducing the total number of layers and associated costs
3Ease of manufacture
If routed wires intersect with conductive layers at the slit, then electrical connection is achieved without planarization film, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the vertical dimension (z-axis) to resolve routing challenges. The routed wires pass through the slit in the edge cover at different heights - some wires are positioned above the slit while others are below, allowing electrical connections to be made without requiring precise lateral alignment that would be necessary if all wires had to pass through the same plane
Data Source
AI summary
The display device includes a non-display area. The non-display area includes: a slit formed in an edge cover; a first conductive layer formed in the same layer as an anode, and being in contact with a cathode; and a second conductive layer formed in the same layer as a capacitance electrode and provided to overlap the slit.