Organic EL Device Production Sulfur Oxide Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing production methods for organic electroluminescent (EL) devices do not adequately ensure sufficient luminance life, which is a critical performance metric for these devices.

Innovation Solution

A production method for organic EL devices that involves controlling the exposure to sulfur oxide concentration and time during the formation of organic functional layers, ensuring that the product of the average sulfur oxide concentration and exposure time satisfies specific formulas to minimize sulfur oxide impact, combined with a process that includes film formation, drying, calcination, and sealing stages, to enhance device longevity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If conventional production methods are used with standard sulfur oxide exposure levels, then production efficiency is maintained, but luminance life of the organic EL device is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminance lifeVSAvoidsulfur oxide exposure
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by establishing specific quantitative thresholds for sulfur oxide concentration (A ≤ 0.03 ppm) and exposure time (B ≤ 86400 sec) during production. By controlling the product A×B to satisfy specific formulas, the method optimizes the balance between maintaining production efficiency and protecting the organic EL device from sulfur oxide damage, thereby extending luminance life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a protected production environment by controlling sulfur oxide levels to create an inert-like atmosphere during the formation of organic functional layers. This approach prevents harmful chemical interactions between sulfur oxide and the organic materials, similar to how inert gases protect sensitive materials, thereby improving device longevity without significantly impacting production throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Duration of action of moving object

If sulfur oxide exposure is reduced to extend device life, then luminance life is improved, but production time may be extended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminance lifeVSAvoidproduction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by establishing sulfur oxide control measures at the very beginning of the production process, from the initiation of organic functional layer formation. By proactively controlling the environment before damage can occur, rather than attempting remediation later, the method extends device life without requiring extended production time for post-processing or rework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly moving through the production process within the defined exposure time limit (B ≤ 86400 sec). By efficiently completing production steps within the safe exposure window rather than prolonging processes, the method achieves extended device life while minimizing production time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

Data Source

PatentUS10600984B2Production method of organic EL device
Publication Date: 2020.03.24 SUMITOMO CHEM CO LTD
  • US10600984B2 patent drawing
  • US10600984B2 patent drawing
  • US10600984B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for producing an organic EL device having an anode, a cathode, at least one organic functional layer disposed between the anode and the cathode, and a sealing layer, comprisinga step of forming the anode, a step of forming the cathode, a step of forming the at least one organic functional layer and a step of forming the sealing layer,wherein the average concentration: A (ppm) of a sulfur oxide to which the organic EL device during production is exposed from initiation time of the step of forming the at least one organic functional layer until termination time of the step of forming the sealing layer and the exposure time thereof: B (sec) satisfy the formula (1-1):0≤A×B<2.2  (1-1).