OLED Multi-Layered Protective Layer Moisture Absorption

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing OLED displays with multi-layered protective layers delay moisture penetration but do not effectively prevent it, leading to limited lifespan and challenges in mass production.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layered protective layer structure is introduced, where organic and inorganic layers are alternately stacked with at least one moisture-absorbing layer interposed, effectively prolonging the lifespan of OLED displays by preventing moisture degradation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If a multi-layered protective layer is formed on the subpixel, then moisture penetration is delayed and lifespan is increased, but the structure is complex and not advantageous for mass production

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifespan of OLED displayVSAvoidstructure of protective layer
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective layer is divided into multiple sub-layers (first protective layer, moisture absorbing layer, second protective layer) with distinct functions. Each layer is optimized independently: the first protective layer provides initial protection, the moisture absorbing layer captures penetrating moisture, and the second protective layer provides additional barrier protection. This segmentation allows each layer to be tailored for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity for mass production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The moisture absorbing layer acts as an intermediary between the protective layers and the subpixel. Instead of relying solely on thick protective layers to block moisture, the moisture absorbing layer intercepts moisture that penetrates through the first protective layer, preventing it from reaching the subpixel. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall structure by using a dedicated moisture-capturing layer rather than requiring excessively thick barrier layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a multi-layered protective layer is formed on the subpixel, then pinhole generation is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepinhole preventionVSAvoidmass production capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Different layers are assigned different materials and properties suited to their specific functions. The first protective layer uses materials optimized for barrier properties to prevent pinhole formation, while the moisture absorbing layer uses materials with high moisture absorption capacity. This local optimization of material properties allows each layer to excel at its specific function without requiring all layers to be complex, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The protective structure combines multiple materials with complementary properties: barrier materials in the first protective layer to prevent pinholes, and moisture-absorbing materials in the intermediate layer. This composite approach achieves superior pinhole prevention and moisture protection while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, as each material layer can be deposited using standard thin-film fabrication techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution significantly enhances the lifespan of OLED displays by efficiently absorbing moisture, maintaining light transmittance, and facilitating mass production by preventing pinhole formation and reducing moisture penetration paths.

Implementation Method 1

at least one moisture absorbing layer is interposed in the multi-layered protective layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8053984B2Organic light emitting diode display
Publication Date: 2011.11.08 LG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US8053984B2 patent drawing
  • US8053984B2 patent drawing
  • US8053984B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display is provided. The OLED display includes a substrate, a subpixel on the substrate, and a multi-layered protective layer covering the subpixel. The multi-layered protective layer has a structure in which organic layers and inorganic layers are alternately stacked in a repeated manner and at least one moisture absorbing layer is interposed in the multi-layered protective layer.