OLED Pixel Print Structure for High-Resolution Inkjet Printing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current inkjet printing methods struggle to achieve high-resolution printing in small- and medium-sized OLED display devices due to limitations in the structure and performance parameters of existing inkjet printing apparatuses, resulting in low material utilization and high production costs.

Innovation Solution

A pixel print structure with a substrate, side walls, and an intermediate portion, where the first and second side walls define separate areas for ink printing and storage, allowing for high-resolution production without modifying the existing inkjet printing apparatus by adjusting the ink distribution and hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties to control ink flow and film formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If inkjet printing method is used, then material utilization rate is high and large-sized full-color samples can be produced, but high-resolution printing in small- and medium-sized display devices cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial utilization rateVSAvoidprinting resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel definition layer is segmented into hydrophobic regions (side walls and intermediate portion) and hydrophilic regions (bottom portions), creating distinct functional zones within each pixel that enable precise ink confinement and high-resolution patterning using standard inkjet printing parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the pixel definition layer are assigned different hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties: side walls and intermediate portion are hydrophobic to confine ink, while bottom portions are hydrophilic to promote uniform ink spreading and film formation, enabling both high resolution and material efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If vapor deposition method is used, then high product resolution can be achieved, but material utilization rate is extremely low resulting in high cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct resolutionVSAvoidmaterial utilization rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The pixel definition layer structure itself performs the function of ink confinement and patterning through its hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties, eliminating the need for additional mask structures or complex printing apparatus modifications, thereby achieving high resolution with standard inkjet equipment and high material utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If existing inkjet printing apparatus is used, then production process is simple, but high-resolution printing cannot be realized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess simplicityVSAvoidprinting resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the surface energy parameters of the pixel definition layer by applying different hydrophobic and hydrophilic treatments to different regions, enabling precise control of ink behavior without modifying the physical structure of the inkjet printing apparatus, thus maintaining process simplicity while achieving high resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the production of high-resolution OLED display devices by optimizing ink distribution and film formation, reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the process flow, while maintaining compatibility with existing inkjet printing equipment.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the first abutment portion, the second abutment portion and the intermediate bottom portion has a hydrophobic-hydrophilic property opposite to that of the first side wall, the second side wall and the intermediate portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic-hydrophilic property: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP3499599B1Pixel printing structure and fabricating method for same, display device and inkjet printing method
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3499599B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4(a)
  • EP3499599B1 patent drawingFigure 4(b)~4(c)

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a pixel print structure, a manufacturing method thereof, a display device, and an inkjet printing method. The pixel print structure comprises a substrate, a first side wall and a second side wall located on the substrate, and an intermediate portion located between the first side wall and the second side wall, wherein the first side wall and the intermediate portion define a first area, and the second side wall and the intermediate portion define a second area.