OLED Encapsulation Unit with Stepped Inorganic-Organic Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional organic light-emitting display apparatuses face challenges in preventing the permeation of external oxygen and moisture, particularly through the side portions of the film, which can weaken the devices and affect their performance.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a multi-layer encapsulation structure comprising a substrate, an inorganic insulation film, an organic insulation film, an organic light-emitting device, and a sequential arrangement of inorganic and organic films to form an encapsulation unit that covers the device, with specific boundary contacts and areas to ensure complete sealing from external contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional encapsulation layer is formed to cover the organic light-emitting device, then the permeation of oxygen and moisture through the upper side is reduced or prevented, but the permeation through the side portions of the film cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The encapsulation structure extends from two-dimensional top coverage to three-dimensional side coverage by forming stepped structures with different elevation levels. The first, second, and third encapsulation layers are positioned at different heights and extend laterally to cover side surfaces of the organic light-emitting device, preventing moisture and oxygen permeation through vertical pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation system is divided into multiple separate encapsulation layers (first, second, and third encapsulation layers) with distinct functions and positions. Each layer covers specific regions: the first layer covers the top surface, while the second and third layers cover side portions at different elevations. This segmented approach allows comprehensive protection of all surfaces including side portions that a single layer cannot protect.
2Reliability
If the encapsulation layer is extended to cover side portions, then protection from all directions is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple encapsulation layers are merged into an integrated encapsulation unit that functions as a unified protective system. The first, second, and third encapsulation layers are formed as part of the same encapsulation process and work together to provide comprehensive protection, reducing the need for separate protective components and simplifying the overall device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation layers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide electrical insulation, mechanical protection, and environmental sealing against moisture and oxygen. The same encapsulation structure that provides top coverage also provides side coverage, eliminating the need for separate protective elements for different surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An organic light-emitting display apparatus includes a substrate, an inorganic insulation film on the substrate, an organic insulation film on the inorganic insulation film, an organic light-emitting device on the organic insulation film, and an encapsulation unit including a first inorganic film covering the organic light-emitting device and having a first boundary portion contacting the organic insulation film, an organic film covering the first inorganic film and having a second boundary portion contacting the inorganic insulation film, and a second inorganic film covering the organic film and having a third boundary portion contacting the substrate.