Segmented Coating Layer Prevents Metal Wiring Corrosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

In organic light-emitting display units, the continuous coating layer absorbs moisture, leading to corrosion and short circuits in metal wiring due to the entry of moisture and impurity ions, which compromises the reliability of the display unit.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a separated region within the coating layer between metal wirings in the bonding region or coating the metal wirings on the terminal region side to prevent moisture and impurity ions from entering, thereby isolating the metal wiring and enhancing the display unit's reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a continuous coating layer is used to cover the metal wiring in the bonding region, then the metal wiring is protected from direct exposure, but the coating layer absorbs moisture and allows impurity ions to enter, causing corrosion and short circuits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemetal wiring reliabilityVSAvoidmoisture absorption and impurity ion entry
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coating layer is divided into multiple separate coating regions rather than forming a continuous layer. Each coating region covers individual metal wirings or specific areas, creating gaps between coating sections. This segmentation prevents moisture and impurity ions from forming continuous pathways through the coating layer, thereby reducing corrosion risk while maintaining protection where needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coating layer is selectively applied only to specific regions where protection is most needed, such as areas with high electric potential differences or regions prone to moisture accumulation. By concentrating coating material in critical zones rather than applying it uniformly, the design provides targeted protection while minimizing overall moisture absorption and impurity ion entrapment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the metal wiring is coated with organic insulating material in the bonding region, then electrical insulation is provided, but the coating creates poor contact characteristics with the inorganic insulating film and facilitates moisture penetration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidinterface contact characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coating layer is segmented into discrete regions that do not form a continuous barrier between the metal wiring and the inorganic insulating film. This segmentation maintains good interfacial contact characteristics by allowing direct contact between the inorganic film and substrate in non-coated areas, while still providing insulation where coating is present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented coating structure acts as a selective intermediary that provides electrical insulation only where necessary, while allowing direct interaction between the inorganic insulating film and the driving substrate in other areas. This mediator approach maintains optimal interface contact characteristics while providing targeted insulation protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a continuous coating layer is applied over the circuit section and metal wiring, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but moisture and impurity ions can freely enter through the coating layer and cause corrosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidcorrosion susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coating layer is divided into multiple separate coating regions distributed across the circuit section and metal wiring areas. These segmented coating regions provide localized protection while the gaps between them prevent the formation of continuous moisture and impurity ion pathways, thereby reducing corrosion susceptibility while maintaining adequate protection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coating is applied with varying density and coverage in different regions based on local requirements. Areas with higher corrosion risk or electric potential differences receive more extensive coating coverage, while other areas have reduced or no coating. This local quality approach optimizes the balance between protection coverage and corrosion prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Prevents corrosion of the metal wiring and significantly improves the reliability of the display unit by blocking moisture and impurity ions, reducing the risk of short circuits and maintaining the display's performance.

Implementation Method 1

The coating layer 213 is made of an organic insulating material. Therefore, the coating layer 213 easily absorbs moisture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS7808176B2Display unit
Publication Date: 2010.10.05 MAGNOLIA BLUE CORP
  • US7808176B2 patent drawing
  • US7808176B2 patent drawing
  • US7808176B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display unit capable of preventing corrosion of a metal wiring and improving the reliability is provided. The display unit includes a driving panel having a bonding region and a terminal region on a driving substrate and a sealing panel bonded on the bonding region of the driving panel with an adhesive layer in between. The bonding region includes a circuit section, a coating layer covering the circuit section, and a display portion composed of a plurality of display devices. A plurality of metal wirings is electrically connected to the circuit section in the bonding region and extended to the terminal region. The coating layer has at least one separated region between the plurality of metal wirings.