Selective Mask Display Structure for Under-Panel Component Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display apparatuses face challenges in integrating additional components and functionalities due to limited space and structural constraints, particularly in areas where components like sensors or cameras are required, leading to design limitations and potential interference with display elements.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus design that includes a substrate with a display area, an opening area, and non-display areas, featuring a pixel defining layer, intermediate layers, and a capping layer with varying thicknesses, along with a shielding unit and encapsulation layers to accommodate additional components while maintaining display functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional display structure is used, then the display area can be maintained, but additional components like sensors or cameras cannot be integrated due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by creating a stepped structure with multiple height levels. The pixel defining layer, intermediate layer, and capping layer are formed at different heights, allowing additional components to be positioned in the vertical space above the substrate without expanding the horizontal display area. This dimensional transition enables component integration while preserving the display area.
Solution Approach 2:
The display structure is segmented into distinct functional zones at different heights. The pixel defining layer creates first regions at a first height, while the capping layer forms second regions at a second height. This segmentation allows different components to be positioned in separate vertical zones, enabling the integration of sensors or cameras in the elevated regions without interfering with the display elements at lower levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the display area is increased to accommodate more functions, then more components can be added, but the structural constraints and interference with display elements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of expanding horizontally which increases structural complexity and potential interference, the patent utilizes the vertical dimension by forming layers at different heights. The stepped configuration with the pixel defining layer and capping layer at different elevations provides additional functional space without increasing the horizontal footprint or complicating the overall device structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional layers are added to accommodate components, then component integration is enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel defining layer and intermediate layer are formed in advance before the capping layer is deposited. This preliminary formation of the stepped structure allows the capping layer to be selectively removed in subsequent steps to expose the intermediate layer, enabling component integration without requiring complex simultaneous multi-layer processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The capping layer is selectively removed or etched away in specific regions to expose the intermediate layer and create openings for component integration. This extraction approach allows access to underlying layers and components without disrupting the overall multi-layer structure, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to forming all openings simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A display apparatus includes: a substrate that includes a display area, an opening area formed in the display area, and a non-display area that surrounds at least a portion of the opening area; a pixel defining area formed on the substrate and that includes at least one opening; an intermediate layer disposed on the at least one opening; an opposite electrode that covers the intermediate layer and the pixel defining layer; and a capping layer that covers the opposite electrode. An end portion of at least one of the intermediate layer, the opposite electrode, or the capping layer is formed on the pixel defining layer and has a thickness that decreases away from the at least one opening.