Organic Electronic Device Encapsulation Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Organic electronic devices, such as OLEDs, are prone to oxidation and moisture penetration, leading to durability issues and limited lifespan, especially under high temperature and high humidity conditions.

Innovation Solution

An encapsulating structure comprising a side encapsulation layer with a specific tensile modulus and viscosity range, combined with a top encapsulation layer, effectively blocks moisture and oxygen, incorporating a moisture adsorbent to manage stress and maintain shape retention, while the ratio and properties of the layers ensure durability and moisture barrier performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single encapsulation layer is used, then the device structure is simple, but the moisture and oxygen blocking performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture and oxygen blocking performanceVSAvoidencapsulation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The encapsulation structure is divided into three distinct layers: a bottom encapsulation layer, a side encapsulation layer, and a top encapsulation layer. Each layer serves specific protective functions, with the side encapsulation layer specifically addressing edge protection needs. This segmentation allows optimized moisture and oxygen blocking performance without requiring a single overly complex layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulation layers are formed using composite material compositions with specific tensile modulus ranges. The bottom and top encapsulation layers have a tensile modulus of 0.01 to 10 GPa, while the side encapsulation layer has a tensile modulus of 0.01 to 5 GPa. These composite materials provide enhanced barrier properties against moisture and oxygen penetration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the encapsulation layer has high rigidity to block moisture effectively, then the moisture barrier performance improves, but the shape retention under stress deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture barrier performanceVSAvoidshape retention characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The tensile modulus of the encapsulation layers is precisely controlled within specific ranges to balance rigidity and flexibility. The bottom and top encapsulation layers are designed with a tensile modulus of 0.01 to 10 GPa, while the side encapsulation layer has a tensile modulus of 0.01 to 5 GPa. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient rigidity for moisture blocking while maintaining adequate flexibility for shape retention under thermal and mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the side encapsulation layer has high tensile modulus to provide structural support, then the structural stability improves, but the stress management and lifting resistance at high temperature and humidity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidendurance reliability at high temperature and humidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The side encapsulation layer is designed with a specifically optimized tensile modulus range of 0.01 to 5 GPa, which is lower than conventional rigid encapsulation materials. This parameter adjustment allows the layer to flexibly accommodate thermal expansion and contraction stresses during high temperature and humidity conditions, preventing lifting while maintaining structural stability through its position and bonding characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 encapsulating structure effectively secures the lifetime of organic electronic devices by blocking external moisture and oxygen, maintaining reliability at high temperature and humidity, and enhancing shape retention characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a moisture adsorbent to manage stress and maintain shape retention

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoisture adsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

capable of effectively blocking water or oxygen introduced from the outside into the organic electronic device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBarrier effect:

Data Source

PatentEP3716350B1Organic electronic device
Publication Date: 2023.03.15 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP3716350B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The present application relates to an organic electronic device, and provides the organic electronic device including an encapsulating structure capable of effectively blocking water or oxygen introduced from the outside into the organic electronic device, thereby securing the lifetime of the organic electronic device and implementing endurance reliability of the encapsulating structure at high temperature and high humidity, and having high shape retention characteristics.