Multi-Hardness Filling Layer for OLED Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing process for organic electroluminescent display devices is complex and time-consuming due to the individual formation of sealants, getters, and filling materials, which also leads to internal pressure and gas penetration into the light-emitting layer, causing defects.
Innovation Solution
An organic electroluminescent display device with a filling layer having regions of different hardnesses, cured by ultraviolet and heat, is used to simplify the sealing process, where the first region acts as a dam and getter, and the second region functions as a sealant, reducing misalignment and gas generation, and the entire process is streamlined using a single material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealant, getter, dam, and filling material are formed through individual processes using different materials, then moisture blocking capability is improved, but manufacturing time increases and process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate sealing components (sealant, getter, dam, and filling material) into a single integrated filling layer formed from one material. This merging eliminates the need for individual formation processes of each component, thereby reducing manufacturing time and process complexity while maintaining the moisture blocking functionality through the unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a sealant to close gaps between substrates, a getter to absorb moisture, a dam to contain filling material, and a support structure. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single material system, reducing the number of manufacturing steps while preserving all necessary protective functions.
2Reliability
If sealant, getter, dam, and filling material are formed through individual processes using different materials, then moisture blocking capability is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges four separate manufacturing processes (forming sealant, getter, dam, and filling material) into a single integrated process for forming the filling layer. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process by eliminating multiple material deposition and curing steps, reducing process complexity while maintaining comprehensive moisture blocking through the multi-functional filling layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling layer material is designed to provide universal functionality, simultaneously delivering sealing, moisture absorption, structural support, and filling capabilities. This multi-functionality in a single material system eliminates the need for complex multi-material processing, thereby reducing manufacturing process complexity while ensuring reliable moisture protection.
3Reliability
If first substrate and second substrate are assembled and sealed using external sealant and dam, then sealing is achieved, but internal pressure is generated causing getter penetration and gas generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sealing function and the internal pressure management function into a single filling layer structure. By combining the sealant and getter into one integrated component, the sealing process occurs simultaneously with pressure equalization, preventing the buildup of internal pressure that would otherwise cause getter penetration and gas generation into the light emitting layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling layer acts as an intermediary structure that manages the transition between substrate assembly and final sealing. It provides a controlled environment for pressure equalization during the sealing process, preventing harmful internal pressure buildup while maintaining the sealing integrity needed to protect the organic light emitting layer.
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 approach reduces manufacturing time and complexity by using a single material for multiple functions, effectively controlling the spreading of the filling material and absorbing moisture, thereby minimizing defects caused by internal pressure and gas penetration.
Implementation Method 1
a first region having a first hardness, and spaced apart at a predetermined distance from the passivation film to surround the protective layer in the bezel area; and a second region having a second hardness lower than the first hardness, and positioned inside the first region
Implementation Method 2
cured by ultraviolet and heat
Implementation Method 3
The getter 70 has a moisture absorption property and cuts moisture to block moisture from penetrating into the organic light emitting element layer 40
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to an organic electroluminescent display device and a method of sealing the same capable of reducing a manufacturing time and a complexity of manufacturing process. The organic electroluminescent display device comprises a first substrate including an active area and a bezel area outside the active area, the first substrate including an organic light emitting layer and a passivation film covering the organic light emitting layer thereon; a second substrate facing to the first substrate; and a filling layer in a space between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the filling layer includes; a first region having a first hardness, and spaced apart at a predetermined distance from the a passivation film to surround the protective layer in the bezel area; and a second region having a second hardness lower than the first hardness, and positioned inside the first region to be contacted with the first region.