OLED Watch Dial Colored Resin Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing watch dials with organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays lack decorative options in the 'OFF' state, as they typically appear either metallic or completely black, limiting design flexibility and user engagement.
Innovation Solution
A watch dial with an OLED display that incorporates a structured layer of coloured resin, which is photosensitive, in contact with the anode, allowing for decorative patterns visible in both 'ON' and 'OFF' states by selectively hiding or revealing parts of the cathode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a uniform passivation layer is used in OLED displays, then electrical insulation is achieved, but decorative appearance in the OFF state is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The passivation layer is segmented into multiple colored resin layers with different functions. The first colored resin layer provides electrical insulation, while the second colored resin layer creates decorative patterns. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between electrical insulation and decorative appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The structured colored resin layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a passivation layer for electrical insulation, provides decorative patterns visible in both ON and OFF states, and enables selective visibility of the cathode. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single component satisfy both electrical and aesthetic requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If the cathode is fully visible, then the metallic appearance is achieved, but decorative pattern visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second colored resin layer is structured to have different optical properties in different locations. In some areas, it is transparent or has low absorption coefficient, allowing the cathode to be visible and provide metallic appearance. In other areas, it has high absorption coefficient, hiding the cathode and creating decorative patterns. This local variation in optical quality resolves the contradiction between metallic appearance and decorative pattern visibility.
3Illumination intensity
If a circular polarizer is added to achieve black appearance in OFF state, then contrast is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a circular polarizer to achieve black appearance, the patent uses colored resin layers with controlled light absorption properties. The colored resins naturally absorb certain wavelengths of light, creating high contrast between different areas without requiring additional polarizing components. This approach achieves the desired contrast while avoiding the complexity of adding polarizers.
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 enables high-contrast decorative patterns in both operational states, enhancing the aesthetic appeal and user interaction with the watch dial, while maintaining electrical insulation and efficient light emission.
Implementation Method 1
A watch dial (1) having an organic light-emitting diode display... a structured layer of coloured resin, which is preferably photosensitive
Implementation Method 2
Light is emitted in one of the layers of organic material when a current passes therethrough (the display is in a so-called 'ON' mode)
Implementation Method 3
The final rendering of a 'bottom emission' type OLED in the so-called 'OFF' state, i.e. with no current passing through, is either the colour of the cathode (metallic appearance)
Data Source
AI summary
A watch dial having an organic light-emitting diode display. The display includes an anode, a structured layer of coloured resin, which is preferably photosensitive, in contact with the anode. The display further includes an organic layer stack in contact with the anode and with the structured coloured resin layer. At least one of the organic layers is a light-emitting layer. The display also includes a cathode in contact with the organic layer stack. Also, a watch including the dial and a method for manufacturing the dial.