Optical Device Sealing Element for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical members in display panels, such as wavelength conversion layers, are vulnerable to moisture and oxygen ingress, which degrades their performance.
Innovation Solution
An optical device design featuring two substrates with a sealing element that contacts their side surfaces, a bank structure, and a light blocking layer, where the sealing element and moisture blocking layers are used to encapsulate the wavelength conversion layer and light emitting unit, enhancing the moisture and oxygen blocking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If optical members are disposed between two substrates, then the optical device can be manufactured with standard substrate processing, but moisture and oxygen can invade the optical members causing performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested sealing structure where the sealing element is positioned between the two substrates and surrounds the optical members (light emitting unit and wavelength conversion layer). This nested configuration creates a protective cavity that physically isolates the optical members from moisture and oxygen while maintaining manufacturability through standard substrate assembly processes
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element functions as a flexible barrier structure that conforms to the space between the substrates. This thin-film-like sealing approach provides effective moisture and oxygen blocking without requiring thick rigid enclosures, thus maintaining the device's compact form factor while improving reliability
2Device complexity
If the wavelength conversion layer is exposed between substrates, then the device structure remains simple, but the wavelength conversion layer is easily affected by moisture and oxygen to reduce performance
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element provides localized protection specifically to the wavelength conversion layer and light emitting unit areas that are most vulnerable to moisture and oxygen. This targeted sealing approach protects critical components without requiring complete encapsulation of the entire substrate assembly, thus minimizing added structural complexity while maximizing reliability where needed
3Ease of manufacture
If no sealing structure is used, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing is easier, but moisture and oxygen invasion degrades optical member performance
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary barrier positioned between the external environment (moisture and oxygen sources) and the optical members. This mediator structure blocks harmful substances from reaching the optical members while allowing the device to maintain its fundamental simple structure and manufacturing process
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 design effectively reduces moisture and oxygen invasion, thereby improving the optical device's ability to protect the optical members and maintain performance.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing element (34) sealing the wavelength conversion layer and the light emitting unit between the substrates, along the edges and in contact with the side surfaces of the substrates
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical device includes two substrates disposed opposite to each other. Each of the two substrates has a side surface. A wavelength conversion layer is disposed between the two substrates. A light emitting unit corresponding to the wavelength conversion layer is disposed between the two substrates. A sealing element is in contact with the side surfaces of the two substrates, and seals the wavelength conversion layer and the light emitting unit located between the two substrates. A bank structure is disposed between the two substrates. A light blocking layer is disposed between the two substrates. A width of the light blocking layer is greater than a width of the bank structure.