OLED Sealing Using Laser-Cured Frit Paste

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for sealing organic light emitting display apparatuses are time-consuming and difficult to form correctly, posing challenges in protecting these devices from moisture and dirt due to the complexity of forming a precise pattern with glass frit.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a frit paste composition with a flat and smooth surface is used to form a solid frit integrated with a substrate, where the frit paste is coated using a screen mask with patterned openings to create a closed loop structure, and then melted and cured using a laser beam to form a secure seal around the organic light emitting display array.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glass frit is used to seal organic light emitting devices, then protection from moisture and dirt is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and difficult to form correct patterns

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from moisture and dirtVSAvoidtime-consuming process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the sealing material from solid glass frit to liquid resin, enabling different application methods. The liquid resin can be coated using screen printing, dispensing, or dipping techniques, which are faster and more controllable than traditional glass frit firing processes. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining sealing effectiveness while reducing process time and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the thermal processing mechanism (firing glass frit at high temperatures) with a chemical bonding mechanism (using adhesive resin that cures at lower temperatures). This substitution eliminates the need for complex firing control and reduces processing time, while still achieving reliable sealing against moisture and dirt

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If glass frit is used to seal organic light emitting devices, then protection from moisture and dirt is achieved, but it is difficult to form a correct pattern

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from moisture and dirtVSAvoidcorrect pattern formation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the sealing material from glass frit to liquid resin, which can be precisely patterned using screen printing masks or dispensing robots. The liquid state allows for better flow control and pattern definition compared to the viscous glass frit, enabling more accurate and consistent sealing patterns around the OLED structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a screen printing mask or dispensing robot as an intermediary tool to transfer the sealing material. This intermediary enables precise pattern formation by controlling where the resin is deposited, ensuring accurate sealing patterns that are difficult to achieve with direct glass frit application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 approach simplifies the sealing process, enhances the reliability of the seal by maintaining uniformity in the frit structure, and effectively protects the organic light emitting display apparatus from moisture and air, improving its lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

heating the structure of the frit paste composition to form a solid frit integrated with the first substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

melted and cured using a laser beam to form a secure seal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP1930967B1Method of making an organic light emitting display apparatus and apparatus therefor
Publication Date: 2015.06.24 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP1930967B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP1930967B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP1930967B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Disclosed is a method of manufacturing the organic light emitting display apparatus. The method includes preparing a substrate (20) and placing a mask (30) over the substrate (20). A frit paste composition is disposed on the mask (30) which has a patterned opening (31). The frit paste composition is pressed (37) to land on the substrate (20) to form a frit paste structure (21). The frit paste structure (21) is presintered. Another substrate on which an array of pixels is formed is arranged to oppose the substrate (20) on which the frit structure (21) is formed, and then the substrates are coupled with the frit structure (21).