OLED Evaporation Mask Bending Relieving Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional masks used in OLED display manufacturing often experience curling issues at the edges during the evaporation process due to stretching, leading to defects in the coated products.
Innovation Solution
A mask design incorporating a bending relieving structure in the edge region, featuring strip-shaped structures that intersect and vary in density to counteract curling forces, formed through etching or attaching processes, which relieves edge curling when stretched.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mask is stretched during welding to the frame, then the mask can be securely mounted and maintained in position, but edge curling occurs at the effective region causing defects in the coated product
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into three distinct regions: a first region (effective region for evaporation), a second region (edge region with bending relieving structures), and a third region (outer edge). The bending relieving structures segment the second region into multiple strip-shaped elements that can independently deform to relieve stress, preventing curling while maintaining overall mask integrity during stretching.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mask are given different structural properties. The second region specifically contains bending relieving structures with strip-shaped configurations that have different flexibility characteristics compared to the first and third regions. This local structural differentiation allows the mask to withstand stretching forces without developing edge curling in the effective region.
2Manufacturing precision
If bending relieving structures are added to the edge region, then edge curling is relieved during stretching, but the mask structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The bending relieving structures utilize the inherent flexibility of thin film structures. The strip-shaped structures in the second region are designed as flexible elements that can bend and deform under stretching forces, absorbing stress without requiring complex mechanical components. This approach maintains manufacturing precision while minimizing structural complexity through clever use of material flexibility.
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
Effectively prevents edge curling of the effective region during stretching, thereby reducing defects in the coated products and ensuring better manufacturing quality.
Implementation Method 1
the edge region is provided with a bending relieving structure for relieving a curling of the edge of the effective region for evaporation when the mask is stretched in the stretching direction
Data Source
AI summary
A mask, a method for manufacturing a mask, and a mask assembly are disclosed. The mask includes an effective region for evaporation and an edge region between an edge of the effective region for evaporation extending in a stretching direction and an edge of the mask extending in the stretching direction. The edge region is provided with a bending relieving structure for relieving a curling of the edge of the effective region for evaporation when the mask is stretched in the stretching direction.