OLED Display Sealing With Alternating Micro-Structure Protrusions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional OLED displays are vulnerable to moisture and oxygen, which degrade their performance, and the high-cost laser devices used for sealing are expensive and inefficient for reducing manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

The OLED display incorporates a first and second micro-structure layer with tapered protrusions on the substrates, arranged alternately, to create a barrier that reduces the entry of environmental substances, and a sealant with a low water/oxygen vapor transmission rate, eliminating the need for high-cost laser processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If glass frit sealing is used to seal the OLED display, then the sealing effect is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to expensive laser devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing structure is divided into multiple segments: first protrusions on the first substrate, second protrusions on the second substrate, and sealant filling the gaps between them. This segmented approach creates multiple barrier paths against moisture and oxygen, achieving reliable sealing without requiring expensive laser hardening equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Sealant is introduced as an intermediary material that fills the gaps between the first and second protrusions, creating a hermetic seal. This intermediary substance provides the sealing function without requiring high-temperature laser processing, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining sealing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional packaging is used, then the OLED is protected, but environmental substances can still enter through sealing gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection capabilityVSAvoidmoisture and oxygen entry

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing approach transitions from a two-dimensional planar seal to a three-dimensional multi-layer structure with protrusions extending into the sealing region. This dimensional enhancement creates tortuous paths that significantly reduce moisture and oxygen permeation while maintaining protection capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusions are strategically positioned in the peripheral region where sealing is most critical. By concentrating the barrier structure at this vulnerable location, the design provides enhanced local protection against environmental substances without compromising overall device performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8866384B2OLED display

Publication Date: 2014.10.21 RED OAK INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

An OLED display is provided, which includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a first micro-structure layer, a second micro-structure layer and an OLED. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The OLED is disposed at the second substrate. The first micro-structure layer is located between the first and second substrates and includes a plurality first protrusions are disposed in positions corresponding to a peripheral region of the first substrate. The second micro-structure layer includes a plurality of second protrusions, wherein the first and second protrusions are arranged alternatively.