OLED Encapsulation Groove Structure for Moisture Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing organic light-emitting display apparatuses face defects due to insufficient encapsulation layer thickness, leading to cracks and penetration of external moisture and oxygen, which shortens the service life and increases defect rates.
Innovation Solution
An organic light-emitting display apparatus with a multi-layer encapsulation structure comprising a first inorganic layer covering the display and extending along the inner surface of a groove between the display and a dam, combined with an organic layer contained within the groove, and a second inorganic layer on top, enhancing the sealing force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a thin encapsulation layer is used to cover the organic light-emitting device, then the device structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but cracks occur due to particle impurities and external moisture and oxygen penetrate through, reducing reliability and service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by forming a multi-layer encapsulation structure consisting of alternating inorganic layers (first inorganic layer, second inorganic layer) and organic layers (first organic layer, second organic layer). This composite structure combines the advantages of inorganic materials (high barrier performance against moisture and oxygen) with organic materials (flexibility and crack resistance), thereby improving sealing force and reliability while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nesting principle by placing the first organic layer within a groove formed in the first inorganic layer, and the second organic layer within a groove formed in the second inorganic layer. This nested configuration allows the encapsulation layers to interlock and conform to the display surface topology, enhancing adhesion and preventing delamination while maintaining effective barrier properties
2Reliability
If the encapsulation layer thickness is increased to prevent cracks and penetration, then sealing force and reliability are improved, but the device structure becomes more complex and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the encapsulation layer into multiple thin alternating inorganic and organic layers rather than using a single thick layer. This segmented multi-layer structure provides equivalent or superior barrier performance compared to a single thick layer, while reducing internal stress and improving flexibility, thus avoiding the need for excessive thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the groove structures to create vertical dimensionality in the encapsulation architecture. By forming grooves in the inorganic layers and placing organic layers within these grooves, the design achieves enhanced sealing and adhesion through three-dimensional conformal coverage, effectively increasing the protective function without simply increasing the horizontal thickness of the encapsulation layer
Data Source
AI summary
An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes a substrate, a display on the substrate, a dam outside the display and spaced from the display, the dam having a stacked multi-layer structure and having a first side surface that faces the display, a second side surface opposite to the display, and a top, a groove in a separation area between the display and the dam, and an encapsulation layer that includes a first inorganic layer and an organic layer on the first inorganic layer, the first inorganic layer covering the display and extending along an inner surface of the groove, and an end of the organic layer being contained in the groove.