Pixel Defining Layer Grooves for Uniform OLED Film Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ink-jet printing technology in display manufacturing faces challenges in achieving uniformity of light-emitting films due to difficulties in controlling the jet velocity of film-forming solutions, leading to uneven illumination in OLED display substrates.
Innovation Solution
A pixel defining layer with communicating grooves between adjacent subunits allows for equalization of film-forming solution volumes, ensuring uniform film thickness and purity through a network of pixel, guiding, and communicating grooves that facilitate the flow and homogenization of the solution, complementing each other to achieve consistent film formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ink-jet printing technology is used to form light-emitting films, then the operation is simplified and cost is reduced, but the jet velocity of film-forming solutions cannot be controlled precisely, leading to uneven film thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple defining units, each containing multiple defining subunits with individual defining grooves. This segmentation allows the film-forming solution to be distributed across multiple isolated compartments, preventing lateral flow between adjacent regions and ensuring uniform film thickness in each defining groove despite variations in jet velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by creating grooves with specific depth-to-width ratios. The defining grooves extend vertically into the substrate, confining the film-forming solution in the vertical dimension while preventing horizontal spread. This dimensional transformation converts a 2D surface printing problem into a 3D confined space problem, ensuring uniform film formation.
2Productivity
If film-forming solution is supplied to multiple defining subunits simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but contamination can occur between adjacent subunits leading to reduced film purity
Solution Approach 1:
Each defining subunit is equipped with an isolated defining groove that is physically separated from adjacent defining grooves by separating walls. This segmentation creates independent compartments that can be filled simultaneously with film-forming solution without risk of cross-contamination, maintaining film purity while enabling parallel processing for high productivity.
3Device complexity
If the defining groove structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control film uniformity and prevent contamination is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The defining layer is segmented into multiple defining units with separating walls that create isolated defining grooves. This segmentation structure, while adding some complexity, provides precise control over film formation by preventing lateral flow and contamination, thereby improving film thickness uniformity and purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The defining grooves are designed with specific local geometric properties (depth, width, aspect ratio) that are optimized for controlling film formation. Each defining groove has tailored dimensions that confine the film-forming solution appropriately, ensuring uniform film thickness and preventing contamination while maintaining overall structural efficiency.
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 solution ensures uniformity and purity of light-emitting films, enhancing the display effect by equalizing film thickness and preventing contamination, thereby improving the chromaticity and display quality of OLED substrates.
Implementation Method 1
the film-forming solution in one of any two adjacent defining grooves in each defining unit group being able to flow into another of the any two adjacent defining grooves
Implementation Method 2
an inner surface of the pixel defining groove is a hydrophilic surface, and an inner surface of the guiding groove and an inner surface of the communicating groove are both hydrophobic surfaces
Implementation Method 3
an inner surface of the pixel defining groove is a hydrophilic surface, and an inner surface of the guiding groove and an inner surface of the communicating groove are both hydrophobic surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A pixel defining layer includes at least one defining unit group disposed on one side of a base substrate. Each of the at least one defining unit group includes a plurality of defining subunits. Each of the plurality of defining subunits is provided with a defining groove. Defining grooves of any two adjacent defining subunits in each defining unit group are communicated with each other.