Printing Mask for OLED Substrate Non-Display Area Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for printing organic light emitting layers on substrates result in the formation of the layer in non-display areas, requiring additional processes for removal, which increases manufacturing costs and time, and can damage the display area and underlying layers.
Innovation Solution
A printing apparatus with a mask having a mask open part for the display area and a mask cover part for the non-display area, where the nozzle discharges organic light emitting liquid onto the mask, preventing it from reaching the non-display area, and optional grooves and reservoirs to manage the liquid flow, ensuring precise application only to the display area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a nozzle is used to print organic light emitting liquid onto the substrate, then the organic light emitting layer can be formed in the display area, but the liquid also reaches the non-display area requiring additional removal processes
Solution Approach 1:
A mask is introduced as an intermediary component between the nozzle and substrate. The mask includes a mask open part positioned at the display area and a mask cover part positioned at the non-display area, preventing organic light emitting liquid from reaching the non-display area while allowing precise deposition in the display area
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is segmented into two functional parts: the mask open part that exposes the display area for liquid deposition, and the mask cover part that covers the non-display area to prevent liquid accumulation, enabling selective area printing
2Reliability
If additional removal processes are implemented to clear organic light emitting layer from non-display area, then the non-display area can be cleaned, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mask cover part is positioned in advance to cover the non-display area before the nozzle discharges the organic light emitting liquid, preventing liquid from reaching the non-display area in the first place, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent removal processes
3Reliability
If additional removal processes are used to clear organic light emitting layer from non-display area, then the area can be cleaned, but damage may occur to display area and underlying layers
Solution Approach 1:
The mask cover part provides preliminary protection by covering the non-display area before liquid deposition occurs, preventing organic light emitting liquid from contaminating the non-display area and eliminating the need for harmful removal processes that could damage the display area or underlying layers
4Manufacturing precision
If grooves and reservoirs are added to the mask structure, then liquid flow can be better managed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask structure incorporates localized features (grooves and reservoirs) at specific positions to manage liquid flow. The grooves are positioned to guide liquid away from the non-display area, and reservoirs are positioned to collect excess liquid, providing targeted flow control without complicating the entire mask structure
Data Source
AI summary
A printing apparatus includes a printing mask, which is disposed between a substrate having a display area and a non-display area surrounding the display area. The apparatus further includes a nozzle discharging an organic light emitting liquid onto the substrate. The printing mask includes a mask open part and a mask cover part. The mask open part exposes the display area, and the mask cover part surrounds the mask open part and covers the non-display area. The apparatus can be used to form an organic emitting layer on the substrate.