OLED Mask Rib Supporting Part Prevents Magnetic Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
In organic light emitting display manufacturing, the rib adjacent to the outermost slit in fine metal masks with slits in a stripe shape is prone to bending due to magnetic forces, leading to defects in organic material deposition and resulting in undesirable color issues in the organic light emitting device.
Innovation Solution
A mask design featuring a rib supporting part between the outermost slit and adjacent rib, which is integrally formed with the base member, prevents rib bending by distributing the magnetic force effectively, ensuring consistent deposition patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fine metal mask with slits in a stripe shape is used for thin film deposition, then the organic material can be deposited in a desired pattern, but the rib adjacent to the outermost slit bends due to magnetic forces causing masking defects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding a rib supporting part specifically at the location where the rib is prone to bending (adjacent to the outermost slit). This localized structural reinforcement provides additional support exactly where needed without modifying the entire mask structure, thereby maintaining deposition precision while preventing bending defects caused by magnetic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining the base mask material with a rib supporting part made of a material that provides enhanced mechanical strength and magnetic resistance. This composite structure integrates the functional requirements of both the mask (for precise pattern deposition) and the support structure (for preventing rib bending under magnetic forces).
2Manufacturing precision
If the rib is made thinner to allow finer slit patterns, then deposition precision is improved, but the rib becomes more susceptible to bending under magnetic force
Solution Approach 1:
The rib supporting part is strategically positioned only where the rib is thinnest and most vulnerable to bending (adjacent to the outermost slit). This localized reinforcement allows the rib to maintain its thin profile for fine slit patterns while providing targeted structural support to prevent bending under magnetic forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib supporting part is pre-installed on the mask before the deposition process. This preliminary action ensures that the rib is already reinforced and protected against bending before magnetic forces are applied during the deposition process, preventing masking defects from occurring in the first place.
3Reliability
If a rib supporting part is added to prevent bending, then mask reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rib supporting part is added only at the specific location where the rib is prone to bending (adjacent to the outermost slit), rather than reinforcing the entire mask structure. This localized approach improves reliability where needed while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib supporting part is designed to be integrated with the mask structure, merging the support function with the existing mask components. This integration reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall structure, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
The rib supporting part maintains the integrity of the slit region, preventing defects in organic material deposition and ensuring uniformity in the organic light emitting device's color output.
Implementation Method 1
the rib adjacent to the outermost slit in fine metal masks with slits in a stripe shape is prone to bending due to magnetic forces
Implementation Method 2
an organic material deposition apparatus is used to form material on a substrate in a film shape by applying current to the material to be deposited under a vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A mask for thin film deposition used in forming an organic thin film or a conductive layer in an organic light emitting device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the mask includes i) a base member, ii) a plurality of slits configured to penetrate through the base member, wherein the plurality of slits have a predetermined length and extend in a first direction, wherein the plurality of slits comprise an outermost slit positioned in an outermost in a second direction having a predetermined angle with respect to the first direction, and wherein the outermost slit comprises two sub-slits separated from each other and iii) a rib supporting part formed between and contacting the two sub-slits, wherein the rib supporting part extends from a rib which is adjacent to the outermost slit.