OLED Encapsulation via Electroplated Metal Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional encapsulation methods for OLED devices using UV cement are inadequate in blocking water and oxygen, affecting the performance of the OLED device due to poor sealing effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of a conductive frame on a substrate with a metal thin film, optionally with an insulation frame doped with conductive particles, which is then electroplated to enhance sealing, using a plating tank to deposit a metal thin film on the frame's surface, improving the device's sealing against water and oxygen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If UV cement is used for encapsulation, then the encapsulation process is simple, but the blocking effect against water and oxygen is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining UV cement (insulation frame) and metal frame materials. The UV cement provides insulation and structural support, while the metal frame (aluminum, stainless steel, or copper) provides superior water and oxygen blocking. This composite approach maintains manufacturing simplicity while dramatically improving sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested frame structure where the metal frame is positioned inside the UV cement frame. The UV cement frame serves as the outer structural element, while the metal frame is nested within it to provide the primary barrier against water and oxygen penetration. This nested configuration maximizes protective function while maintaining ease of manufacture.
2Reliability
If a metal frame is added inside the UV cement frame, then the sealing effect is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is segmented into two distinct functional components: the UV cement insulation frame and the inner metal sealing frame. Each segment performs its specific function independently - the UV cement provides insulation and structural support, while the metal frame provides water and oxygen blocking. This segmentation allows for optimized material selection and simplified manufacturing of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The metal frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a barrier against water and oxygen, provides structural reinforcement, and can serve as an ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection layer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maximizing sealing effectiveness.
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 method provides a better sealing effect compared to traditional UV cement methods, enhancing the performance and longevity of OLED devices by effectively blocking water and oxygen, leading to improved reliability and durability.
Implementation Method 1
placing the preforming device into a plating tank, and energizing the frame, wherein a metal thin film is formed on a surface of the frame close to the outside edge of the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An encapsulation method of an OLED and an OLED device are provided, and the method includes: providing a substrate for encapsulation (401) and a cover plate (403); forming a conductive frame (402) on the substrate for encapsulation (401); cell assembling the substrate for encapsulation (401) which is provided with the frame (402) and the cover plate (403) to obtain a preforming device; placing the preforming device into a plating tank, and energizing the frame (402), wherein a metal thin film (404) is formed on a surface of the frame (402) close to the outside edge of the substrate (401). A layer of metal film (404) is plated at the periphery of the frame (402). Because the blocking effect of the compact structure of the metal thin film (404) to water and oxygen is better than that of a sealing frame cement, thus an OLED device made by the encapsulation method has better sealing effect and better performance.