OLED Polarizing Layer Integration for Bendable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current organic light emitting display devices have large thicknesses, making them unsuitable for bending and requiring a solution to integrate polarization functions while reducing thickness.
Innovation Solution
An organic light emitting device structure incorporating a substrate layer, anode, pixel defining layer with bumps and openings, a light emitting functional layer, a polarizing layer with inorganic layers, and an encapsulation layer to achieve built-in polarization and facilitate bending.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional separate polarization modules are added to OLED devices, then polarization function is achieved, but device thickness increases to 1000-1500 μm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the polarization function with the OLED structure by integrating polarizing layers directly into the device stack. The first polarizing layer is positioned between the substrate and pixel defining layer, while the second polarizing layer is placed between the encapsulation layer and pixel defining layer, combining multiple functions into a unified structure rather than using separate external polarization modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The polarizing layers are nested within the OLED structure itself, with the first polarizing layer embedded in the lower portion and the second polarizing layer embedded in the upper portion. This nesting approach allows the polarization function to be contained within the device thickness rather than adding external components, achieving compact integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device thickness is reduced for bending applications, then bendability improves, but structural strength and protection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining multiple functional layers including inorganic encapsulation layers, organic polarizing layers, and pixel defining layers with bumps. This composite architecture provides both the flexibility needed for bending and the structural integrity required for protection, as each layer contributes different properties that collectively resolve the strength-thickness contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes thin film structures for the polarizing layers and encapsulation layers that maintain flexibility while providing protection. The thin inorganic encapsulation layers and organic polarizing layers are designed to be sufficiently thin to allow bending while still providing the necessary mechanical strength and environmental protection.
3Illumination intensity
If polarizing layers are added to improve light extraction, then optical efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polarizing layers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide polarization control, enhance light extraction efficiency through their optical properties, and contribute to the overall structural organization of the device. The first and second polarizing layers work together to achieve these multiple objectives, 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
The solution reduces the thickness of the organic light emitting device and enables bending while implementing a built-in polarization function, improving light extraction efficiency and surface hardness.
Implementation Method 1
The polarizing layer includes a first inorganic layer, a first polarizing layer, a second inorganic layer, and a second polarizing layer, which are sequentially disposed
Data Source
AI summary
An organic light emitting device includes a substrate layer, an anode disposed on the substrate layer, a pixel defining layer disposed on the anode and including bumps and openings spaced apart from each other, a light emitting functional layer disposed on the pixel defining layer, a polarizing layer disposed on the light emitting functional layer, and an encapsulation layer disposed on the polarizing layer for encapsulating the polarizing layer and the light emitting functional layer. The polarizing layer including a first inorganic layer, a first polarizing layer, a second inorganic layer, and a second polarizing layer, which are sequentially disposed. The first inorganic layer is disposed on the light emitting functional layer and the pixel defining layer, and the first polarizing layer and the second polarizing layer are disposed corresponding to the openings.