OLED Substrate Overflow Containment With Groove and Dam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays face the challenge of organic material overflow during the application process due to the fluid nature of the organic layer, which can lead to material leakage beyond the substrate boundaries.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating anti-overflowing grooves and dams in the surrounding area of the substrate, which are designed to contain the organic material within the pixel area, even when the material overflows, by forming these features through the interlayer insulating layers and exposing the buffer or gate insulating layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the organic layer is applied by solution process to the display area, then the organic material can be deposited efficiently, but the organic material overflows out of the display area due to its fluid nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the anti-overflowing groove and dam structure before applying the organic material. The groove is formed through the interlayer insulating layer to expose the gate insulating layer, and the dam is positioned between the groove and substrate end, creating a containment structure in advance that prevents overflow before it occurs during the deposition process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing the anti-overflowing groove as a mediating structure between the organic material and the substrate boundary. The groove acts as an intermediate containment feature that intercepts and holds the overflowing organic material, preventing it from reaching the substrate edge while not interfering with the normal deposition process
2Manufacturing precision
If the organic material is over-applied to ensure sufficient coverage, then the display area is fully covered, but the material leaks beyond the substrate boundaries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by creating the dam structure that generates an opposing force to the overflow tendency of the organic material. The dam, positioned between the anti-overflowing groove and substrate end, provides a physical barrier that counteracts the fluid flow of over-applied organic material, preventing leakage while allowing sufficient material to be applied for complete coverage
3Reliability
If the anti-overflowing groove is formed through interlayer insulating layers, then the organic material is contained effectively, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the containment function into two separate components: the anti-overflowing groove formed through the interlayer insulating layer, and the dam structure positioned adjacent to it. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the groove provides the containment cavity while the dam provides the blocking barrier - thereby achieving reliable material containment through a modular structure
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an organic light emitting diode display including: a substrate having a pixel area and a surrounding area enclosing the pixel area; an OLED formed in the pixel area; an anti-overflowing groove formed in the surrounding area of the substrate; and a dam positioned between the anti-overflowing groove and an end of the substrate.