OLED Partition Protrusion Prevents Leak Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reliability of OLED display devices is compromised due to issues such as moisture impregnation and diffusion, and leak currents caused by contact between the hole injection layer and conductive portions of the partition, leading to display failures.
Innovation Solution
A display device configuration featuring a partition with insulating and conductive portions, where the conductive portion's lower end protrudes relative to the insulating portion, preventing contact with the hole injection layer and ensuring proper sealing and electrical isolation, thereby enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the partition structure is simplified, then the manufacturing process is easier, but moisture impregnation and leak currents occur leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is divided into three distinct portions: an insulating first portion, a conductive second portion with protruding lower and upper ends, and an insulating third portion. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function - the insulating portions prevent moisture ingress while the conductive portion provides electrical isolation from the upper electrode, thereby improving reliability without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the partition are assigned different material properties (insulating vs. conductive) based on their specific functional requirements. The first and third portions use insulating materials to prevent moisture pathways, while the second portion uses conductive material to ensure electrical isolation from the upper electrode. This localized assignment of properties optimizes the overall performance
2Reliability
If the conductive portion contacts the hole injection layer, then electrical connection is established, but leak currents occur reducing display reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful contact between the conductive portion and the hole injection layer is completely eliminated by designing the conductive second portion to protrude outward, creating a physical gap. This extraction of the harmful interaction pathway prevents leak currents from forming, thereby improving display reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding structure of the conductive second portion acts as an intermediary that maintains electrical isolation from the upper electrode while still allowing the partition to fulfill its sealing function. The protrusion creates a controlled spatial relationship that prevents direct contact and potential leak current pathways
3Reliability
If the partition provides adequate sealing, then moisture ingress is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The partition merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the insulating first and third portions provide moisture barrier functions, while the conductive second portion provides electrical isolation. By combining these functions in one component rather than using separate elements, the design achieves adequate sealing and electrical isolation without proportionally increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The partition is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides moisture sealing, electrical isolation, and structural support. The different portions of the partition each contribute to different functions, making the single partition structure universally functional and reducing the need for additional separate components
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
This configuration effectively prevents moisture ingress and leak currents, improving the reliability and longevity of OLED display devices by ensuring proper sealing and electrical insulation.
Implementation Method 1
an organic layer which is located between the lower electrode and the upper electrode and emits light based on a potential difference between the lower electrode and the upper electrode
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a display device includes a lower electrode, a rib including a pixel aperture, a partition on the rib, an upper electrode, and an organic layer between the lower electrode and the upper electrode. The partition includes an insulating first portion, a conductive second portion which is provided on the first portion and is in contact with the upper electrode, and a third portion provided on the second portion. A lower end of the second portion protrudes in a width direction of the partition relative to the first portion. The third portion protrudes in the width direction relative to an upper end of the second portion.