Organic EL Device Insulating Layer Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional organic EL devices have a short lifetime due to the higher moisture permeability of the anode insulating layer, which facilitates moisture entry and degradation of the light emitting layer.

Innovation Solution

An organic EL device design featuring a sealing member that connects two substrates around an organic light emitting portion, with an insulating layer having a first portion between the electrode extraction and the organic layer, and a second portion covered by a connecting portion, where the distance between the sealing member and the first insulating portion is longer than between the sealing member and the second insulating portion, reducing moisture exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an anode insulating layer is provided along the edge portion of the EL stacked structure, then electrical insulation between anode and cathode is achieved, but moisture permeability increases causing the anode insulating layer to draw moisture into the light emitting layer

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidmoisture permeability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer is segmented into multiple regions with different distances from the sealing member: a first region (first insulating portion) at a longer distance and a second region (second insulating portion) at a shorter distance. This segmentation allows different portions of the insulating layer to serve different functions regarding moisture protection while maintaining electrical insulation throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the insulating layer are positioned at different distances from the sealing member to create local quality variations. The first insulating portion is placed farther from the sealing member (longer distance) to reduce moisture exposure, while the second insulating portion is placed closer (shorter distance) to ensure adequate electrical insulation. This local quality approach optimizes both moisture resistance and electrical insulation in different locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the insulating layer is positioned closer to the sealing member, then electrical insulation is ensured, but moisture exposure to the light emitting layer increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoiddevice lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating layer is divided into segments at different distances from the sealing member. The first insulating portion is positioned farther away to protect against moisture and extend device lifetime, while the second insulating portion is positioned closer to maintain electrical insulation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between insulation effectiveness and moisture protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer exhibits local quality variations in its positioning relative to the sealing member. By creating regions with different distances (first region longer, second region shorter), the structure achieves optimal balance between electrical insulation (requiring proximity) and moisture protection/extending lifetime (requiring distance).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration extends the lifetime of the organic EL device by minimizing moisture exposure to the insulating layers, thereby protecting the light emitting layer.

Implementation Method 1

an insulating layer provided along an edge portion of the organic layer, the insulating layer electrically insulating the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a sealing member that connects the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounds the organic light emitting portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

a connecting portion that electrically connects the second electrode extraction portion and the second electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS9853234B2Organic EL device and method for producing the same

Publication Date: 2017.12.26 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An organic EL device includes: a first substrate and a second substrate; an organic light emitting portion including a first electrode, an organic layer and a second electrode; a sealing member surrounding the organic light emitting portion; a first electrode extraction portion; a second electrode extraction portion; an insulating layer that electrically insulates the first electrode and the second electrode; and a connecting portion that electrically connects the second electrode extraction portion and the second electrode. The insulating layer includes: a first insulating portion provided between the first electrode extraction portion and the organic layer; and a second insulating portion that is provided between the second electrode extraction portion and the organic layer and covered with the connecting portion. A distance between the sealing member and the first insulating portion is longer than a distance between the sealing member and the second insulating portion.