OLED Touch Screen Mask Process Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional method for manufacturing out-cell OLED touch control display screens requires numerous mask processes, increasing manufacturing costs and decreasing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method that forms a touch control display screen by using a single mask process to pattern both the first and second insulation layers, followed by sequential etching treatments, reducing the number of mask plates needed and incorporating a multi-transmittance mask plate for precise exposure and development, thereby reducing the overall number of mask processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple mask processes are used to form the touch control layer on OLED encapsulation layer, then the touch control device can be formed with proper structure, but the manufacturing cost increases and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mask processes into a single mask process by forming the first insulation layer, bridge layer, and second insulation layer simultaneously using one mask plate. This merging of processes reduces the total number of mask operations from five to one, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency while maintaining the required structural precision of the touch control device
Solution Approach 2:
The single mask plate serves multiple functions by defining patterns for the first insulation layer, bridge layer, and second insulation layer simultaneously. This multi-functional mask plate replaces what would traditionally require five separate mask plates, each handling different layers or features, thus reducing process complexity and increasing productivity
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple mask processes are used to form the touch control layer, then the touch control device structure can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging five separate mask processes into a single mask process, the patent reduces the total number of mask plates required from five to one. This consolidation directly reduces material costs (fewer mask plates), equipment usage costs (less mask aligner time), and labor costs (fewer process steps), thereby lowering overall manufacturing cost while achieving the same structural precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a single mask plate design that can be reused across multiple production runs to create identical touch control device structures. This copying approach eliminates the need for five different mask plates, reducing upfront tooling costs and enabling more economical mass production while maintaining consistent manufacturing precision
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 decreases the manufacturing cost and increases efficiency by reducing the number of mask plates required, while minimizing the risk of oxidation for the touch control lead, thus enhancing the manufacturing process for OLED touch control display screens.
Implementation Method 1
using a mask to perform a mask process on the second insulation layer, so as to pattern the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a touch control display screen is provided. The method includes sequentially forming a thin film transistor layer, an OLED display layer, and a thin film encapsulation layer on a substrate; sequentially forming a first insulation layer, a bridge layer, a second insulation layer, a touch control electrode layer, and a protection layer on the thin film encapsulation layer; and using a multi-transmittance mask plate to perform a mask process for the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer, so as to pattern the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer.