Multi-Frame Sealing Structure for Organic Light-Emitting Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light-emitting devices with organic electroluminescent elements face degradation due to moisture and oxygen intrusion, which existing sealing methods fail to adequately prevent, leading to reduced durability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device design featuring a substrate with a laminate of electrodes and an electrooptical material, sealed by multiple frames of seals and adsorbers on a sealing substrate, where adsorbers are strategically placed to absorb moisture and oxygen, extending the device's operational life by creating multiple barriers for intrusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single sealing member with adhesive is used to seal the organic EL elements, then the device structure is simple, but atmospheric gas may intrude through the interface due to insufficient adhesion
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing structure is divided into multiple independent sealing members (first sealing member and second sealing member) arranged in sequence. Each sealing member has its own adhesive layer, creating multiple barrier interfaces that atmospheric gas must penetrate sequentially, thereby significantly improving sealing reliability without requiring each individual seal to be perfectly adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing members are arranged in a nested configuration where the first sealing member and second sealing member overlap and bond to the substrate in sequence, forming concentric sealing zones. This nested arrangement creates redundant sealing paths and ensures that even if one sealing interface fails, the other maintains the seal.
2Strength
If adhesive thickness and width are increased to improve adhesion, then bonding strength increases, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The total adhesion requirement is segmented across multiple sealing members rather than relying on a single thick adhesive layer. Each sealing member uses a moderate thickness adhesive layer that is sufficient for its local bonding requirement, avoiding the complexities of applying and controlling very thick adhesive while achieving cumulative bonding strength through multiple interfaces.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple adsorbers are added to sequentially adsorb moisture and oxygen, then the protection time is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adsorption function is segmented into multiple adsorbers (first adsorber and second adsorber) positioned at different locations within the sealed cavity. Each adsorber handles a portion of the moisture and oxygen adsorption load, extending the overall protection duration. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, simpler adsorbers rather than one large complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The adsorbers are integrated into the sealing structure in a nested arrangement, with adsorbers positioned within or adjacent to the sealing members. This nested integration allows the adsorption function to be incorporated into the existing sealing architecture without adding significant external complexity, as the adsorbers utilize the same spatial envelope as the sealing structure.
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 multi-layered sealing structure effectively prolongs the lifespan of the light-emitting element by sequentially filtering out moisture and oxygen, enhancing the device's durability and reliability through superior adsorption capabilities and balanced adsorption capacity.
Implementation Method 1
bonded to the substrate with a plurality of seals therebetween
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of adsorbers disposed in mounting sites on the sealing substrate to adsorb water and oxygen
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting device includes a substrate on which a laminate is disposed, a sealing substrate bonded to the substrate with a plurality of seals therebetween, a plurality of mounting sites in regions surrounded by the seals on the sealing substrate, and a plurality of adsorbers disposed in the mounting sites to adsorb water and oxygen. The laminate includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and an electrooptical material therebetween. The electrooptical material at least includes a light-emitting layer. The seals have the shape of a double or multiple frame surrounding the periphery of the laminate on the substrate.