Flexible OLED Encapsulation Retaining Wall Thickness Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flexible OLED encapsulation technologies face challenges in effectively blocking external water and oxygen erosion, particle contamination, and stress during bending and folding, particularly due to the uncontrollability of organic layer materials and retaining walls, which lead to increased thickness and complexity in the encapsulation structure.
Innovation Solution
A thin-film encapsulation structure comprising a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer, and a second inorganic layer, with a retaining wall made of hexamethyldisiloxane, where the surface properties of the retaining wall are adjusted to be hydrophobic or hydrophilic matching the organic layer, reducing mutual solubility and allowing for a thinner, more reliable structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the material of the retaining wall is made hydrophilic or hydrophobic to match the organic layer material, then the boundary control is improved, but the surface mutual solubility increases which worsens the barrier effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different surface properties in different regions of the retaining wall. The inner surface facing the organic layer is treated to be hydrophobic when the organic layer is hydrophilic (or vice versa), while the outer surface maintains water vapor barrier functionality. This localized differentiation prevents surface mutual solubility at the interface while preserving the barrier effect at the outer surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining wall is constructed as a composite structure with multiple layers having different material compositions and surface properties. The inner layer or inner surface is designed with hydrophobic characteristics to prevent mutual solubility with the hydrophilic organic layer, while the outer layer maintains water vapor barrier properties, creating a multi-functional composite structure.
2Reliability
If the thickness of the retaining wall is increased to achieve better blocking function, then the barrier effect is improved, but the frame width increases which worsens the narrow frame design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface energy parameters of the retaining wall material by applying hydrophobic treatment to the inner surface. This parameter change prevents capillary action and surface mutual solubility between the retaining wall and organic layer, allowing for a thinner retaining wall design that maintains adequate barrier function without increasing frame width.
3Reliability
If the retaining wall thickness is increased to prevent water and oxygen corrosion at the edge, then the reliability is improved, but the encapsulation structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating only the inner surface of the retaining wall with hydrophobic properties to prevent water and oxygen corrosion at the edge interface. This localized treatment provides adequate edge protection without requiring increased overall thickness or additional protective layers, thereby maintaining structural simplicity.
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 solution enhances the barrier effect, reduces the thickness and area of the retaining wall, and miniaturizes the encapsulation structure, leading to a narrower frame and improved user experience for flexible OLED panels by preventing water and oxygen intrusion and particle contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the surface properties of the retaining wall are adjusted to be hydrophobic or hydrophilic matching the organic layer, reducing mutual solubility
Implementation Method 2
the surface properties of the retaining wall are adjusted to be hydrophobic or hydrophilic matching the organic layer, reducing mutual solubility
Implementation Method 3
For the inorganic layer, it is mainly used to block the erosion of external water and oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a flexible OLED panel, thin-film encapsulation structure of flexible panel and encapsulation method for the same. The present invention includes a first inorganic layer, a first organic layer and a second inorganic layer structure, wherein the first organic layer is prepared by using hexamethyldisiloxane which is an organic material to form the first retaining wall. The hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity between the first retaining wall and the first organic layer is oppositely disposed such that the surface of the first retaining wall and the first organic layer do not mutually dissolve when contacted. The feature can greatly reduce the thickness of the at least one retaining wall. While ensuring that the flexible panel display region is shielded from external water oxygen, covering the particle contaminant of the flexible panel, buffering the stress during bending and folding, and the present invention has more simplified and more reliable features.