OLED Sealing Unit With Nested Thin Films
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organic light emitting display (OLED) devices are susceptible to degradation from moisture, oxygen, and light, leading to reduced lifespan and formation of oxides that separate the organic material layer from electrodes, causing dark spots and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
An OLED device with a sealing unit comprising alternately stacked first and second thin films, where the first thin film is made of inorganic material and surrounds the second thin film, and optionally includes a getter layer to react with penetrating gases, effectively preventing moisture and oxygen infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing unit is used to prevent moisture and oxygen penetration, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple stacked thin films
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing unit is divided into multiple thin film layers (first thin film, second thin film, third thin film) with distinct functions. Each layer segments the protection task: the first thin film provides primary barrier protection, the second thin film offers additional protection and flexibility, and the third thin film provides final sealing. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing unit employs composite material structure by stacking different types of thin films together. The first thin film, second thin film, and third thin film are made of different materials with complementary properties. This composite structure combines the advantages of each material to achieve superior overall performance in preventing moisture and oxygen penetration while managing stress and maintaining flexibility.
2Reliability
If multiple thin films are stacked to improve sealing, then protection effectiveness increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thin films are arranged in a nested configuration where the first thin film, second thin film, and third thin film are stacked in sequence with each layer positioned to cover and be covered by adjacent layers. This nesting arrangement creates overlapping coverage zones that provide manufacturing tolerance, ensuring that even with slight misalignments during fabrication, the sealing function remains effective as long as the films are stacked in the correct sequence.
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
Enhances the resistance of OLED devices to water vapor and oxygen, reducing damage and extending the lifespan by creating a robust barrier against external contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing unit which seals the organic light emitting unit, wherein the sealing unit is formed by alternately stacking at least one first thin film and at least one second thin film
Implementation Method 2
Some embodiments further comprise at least one getter layer disposed on a portion of a first thin film that is substantially not over the organic light emitting unit
Data Source
AI summary
An organic light emitting display device includes a substrate; an organic light emitting unit formed on the substrate; and a sealing unit which seals the organic light emitting unit, wherein the sealing unit is formed by alternately stacking at least one first thin film and at least one second thin film, the first thin film being formed to surround a portion of the second thin film.