Refractive Encapsulation Structure for Higher Light Extraction Displays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in achieving high light extraction efficiency, particularly in curved and foldable displays, due to the complexity of optical functional layers and light management.

Innovation Solution

A display device design incorporating a display panel with a sensor layer and a light control layer, featuring a low refractive pattern layer and an encapsulation layer with a higher refractive index, along with specific materials like bismuth and anthraquinone-based compounds, to enhance light collection and extraction efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple optical functional layers are used to improve light extraction efficiency, then light management performance is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of optical functional layers
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single integrated encapsulation layer structure. The encapsulation layer simultaneously provides light extraction enhancement through its refractive index properties, protective enclosure for the light-emitting element, and structural support. This merging of functions reduces the total number of separate optical layers while maintaining or improving light extraction efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The encapsulation layer is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a protective barrier, a structural support element, and an optical enhancement component through its specific refractive index characteristics. By making the encapsulation layer multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated layers for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the encapsulation layer has a higher refractive index than the low refractive pattern layer, then light collection efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight collection efficiencyVSAvoidrefractive index control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the refractive index parameter as a key design variable to optimize light collection efficiency. By selecting materials with specific refractive index values for the encapsulation layer and low refractive pattern layer, the design creates an optical gradient that enhances light extraction. The refractive index difference is controlled within practical manufacturing tolerances rather than requiring extreme precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures where the encapsulation layer and low refractive pattern layer are made from different materials with complementary optical properties. This allows the system to achieve the desired refractive index gradient through material selection rather than requiring precise control of a single material's properties, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 design improves light extraction efficiency by optimizing light path management, enhancing forward light emission and color reproducibility, suitable for flexible and foldable display applications.

Implementation Method 1

the encapsulation layer has a higher refractive index than the low refractive pattern layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12527210B2Display device
Publication Date: 2026.01.13 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US12527210B2 patent drawing
  • US12527210B2 patent drawing
  • US12527210B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel, a sensor layer provided on the display panel, and a light control layer provided on the sensor layer, and including at least one of a dye or a pigment, wherein the display panel includes a base layer, a pixel-defining film provided on the base layer and having an opening defined therein, a light-emitting element including a light-emitting layer provided in the opening, an inorganic deposition layer provided on the light-emitting element, a low refractive pattern layer provided on the pixel-defining film, and an encapsulation layer provided on the low refractive pattern layer and the inorganic deposition layer, and the encapsulation layer has a higher refractive index than the low refractive pattern layer. Accordingly, due to improved light collection efficiency of the light-emitting element, the display device may have improved display efficiency.