OLED Sealing Substrate with Multi-Layer Metal Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays face deterioration due to external moisture and oxygen penetration, necessitating effective sealing technologies to enhance their longevity and performance.
Innovation Solution
A sealing substrate is developed with a support film, metal layers, and conductive junction layers to provide a dual-layered metal structure that blocks moisture and oxygen while supplying electric signals to the OLED display, using a roll-to-roll manufacturing process to reduce costs and simplify the structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing substrate with multiple metal layers is used to block moisture and oxygen, then the sealing function is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing substrate is divided into multiple functional metal layers: a first metal layer for sealing, a second metal layer for moisture blocking, and a third metal layer for oxygen blocking. Each layer is segmented to perform a specific protective function, collectively providing comprehensive sealing without requiring a single complex barrier structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing substrate employs a composite structure combining multiple metal layers with different properties. The first metal layer (e.g., aluminum) provides baseline sealing, while the second metal layer (e.g., titanium) and third metal layer (e.g., gold) add specialized moisture and oxygen blocking capabilities, creating a composite material system that achieves superior sealing performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple metal layers and conductive junctions are added to supply electric signals, then the electrical function is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing substrate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the first metal layer provides both sealing and electrical conduction, while the second and third metal layers provide moisture blocking and oxygen blocking respectively. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate chip-on-film and flexible circuit board components, reducing overall manufacturing cost despite the added complexity of multiple layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the sealing function and electrical signal supply function into a single integrated sealing substrate structure. The conductive junction layers are formed by combining the metal layers in a way that simultaneously achieves both barrier properties and electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for separate bonding processes and reducing manufacturing steps.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional sealing methods are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the luminance uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive junction layers are strategically positioned at specific locations where electrical connections are needed, rather than uniformly distributed. The metal layers are patterned with varying thicknesses and compositions in different regions to optimize both the sealing performance and the electrical signal distribution, ensuring uniform luminance across the display while maintaining manufacturing 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
The solution effectively increases the sealing function of OLED displays, enhancing their luminance uniformity and lifespan by blocking moisture and oxygen while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the need for chip-on-films and flexible circuit boards.
Implementation Method 1
a first metal layer provided on one side of the support film toward the substrate; a plurality of second metal layers provided on the first metal layer while being conductive with the first metal layer, and supplying a first electric signal to the common power line; and a third metal layer provided on the first metal layer while being insulated from the first metal layer, and supplying a second electric signal to the common electrode
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of conductive layers formed between the first metal layer and the second metal layers, and an insulation layer formed between the first metal layer and the third metal layer. The conductive layers have the same thickness as the insulation layer, and are formed with a conductive tape or an anisotropic conductive film
Data Source
AI summary
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display comprises: a substrate; a display formed on the substrate and including a common power line and a common electrode; a junction layer provided outside the display on the substrate; and a sealing substrate fixed to the substrate by the junction layer. The sealing substrate includes: a support film; a first metal layer provided on one side of the support film toward the substrate; a plurality of second metal layers provided on the first metal layer and being conductive with the first metal layer; and a third metal layer provided on the first metal layer and being insulated from the first metal layer. The second metal layers supply a first electric signal to the common power line, and the third metal layer supplies a second electric signal to the common electrode. A method of manufacturing such an OLED display is also disclosed.