OLED Bezel Minimization via Flow Control Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays face challenges in minimizing the non-display area and maintaining display quality due to limitations in controlling the flow of protective layers, leading to uneven transmission and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flow control pattern on the outer portion of the active area, which includes concave portions to manage the flow of the protective layer from the active area into the bezel area, and using hydrophobically-treated dam structures to enhance surface energy control and prevent overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If dams are disposed in the non-display area to control the flow of the protective layer, then the flow of the protective layer is controlled, but the non-display area cannot be minimized and the bezel area remains wide
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control pattern is formed by removing portions of the planarization layer to create凹 portions (concave regions) that extend in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change creates effective flow control barriers without occupying additional horizontal space in the bezel area, thus resolving the contradiction between minimizing bezel area and achieving precise flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control pattern creates localized variations in surface topology through凹 portions at specific positions where flow control is needed. These localized structural changes affect protective layer flow only in specific areas without impacting the entire bezel region, enabling precise flow control while maintaining a minimized overall bezel area.
2Reliability
If the protective layer flows freely from the active area into the bezel area, then the protective layer covers the organic light emitting element, but the upper surface becomes curved and transmission becomes uneven
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control pattern with凹 portions is prepared in advance on the planarization layer before the protective layer is applied. This preliminary structural preparation creates predetermined flow barriers that prevent the protective layer from flowing excessively into the bezel area, thereby preventing surface curvature and transmission unevenness before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control pattern acts as an intermediary structure between the active area and the bezel area. The凹 portions create intermediate barriers that regulate the flow of the protective layer, allowing sufficient coverage of the organic light emitting element while preventing over-flow that would cause surface curvature and transmission issues.
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 allows for a narrower bezel area and improved display quality by minimizing the curve of the protective layer's upper surface and ensuring uniform transmission across the OLED display.
Implementation Method 1
using hydrophobically-treated dam structures to enhance surface energy control and prevent overflow
Implementation Method 2
using hydrophobically-treated dam structures to enhance surface energy control and prevent overflow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An organic light emitting diode display (200, 300) is disclosed in which a flow control pattern (270, 370) of an organic protective layer (218) is disposed to implement a thin bezel. In an active area (230) and a bezel area (240) defined on a substrate (210), the flow control pattern (270, 370) disposed reduces the flow of a protective layer (218) so as to minimize area size of the bezel area (240).