Single-Layer Electron Transfer for OLEDs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic light emitting devices have complex manufacturing processes, long production times, and large thickness due to multi-layered electron injection and transport layers, which can lead to non-uniform thickness issues causing image quality degradation, such as reduced sharpness.

Innovation Solution

A single-layer electron transfer layer is introduced, comprising single-crystal silicon particles and an insulating layer, which serves as both an electron injection and transport layer, preventing holes from flowing into the electron transfer layer and ensuring uniform electron transfer to the organic luminescent layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electron injection layer and electron transport layer are formed separately on the electrode, then electron transfer function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing process complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron transfer functionVSAvoidlayer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electron injection layer and electron transport layer into a single integrated layer structure. This merged layer performs both electron injection from the electrode and electron transport to the luminescent layer, eliminating the need for separate layers while maintaining the dual functionality. The simplification reduces manufacturing steps and device complexity while preserving the essential electron transfer functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple electron transfer layers are used, then electron transfer efficiency is improved, but manufacturing time and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple electron transfer layers into a single layer that performs both electron injection and transport simultaneously. This consolidation reduces the number of manufacturing steps, decreases production time, and lowers costs while maintaining effective electron transfer efficiency through the integrated layer design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If thickness of electron transfer layers is increased, then electron transfer capability is improved, but overall device thickness increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectron transfer capabilityVSAvoiddevice thickness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines electron injection and transport functions into a single layer, which optimizes the thickness requirement. Rather than having two separate layers each with minimum thickness requirements, the merged layer achieves both functions within a single optimized thickness, thereby reducing the overall device thickness while maintaining electron transfer capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If non-uniform thickness of electron transfer layers is present, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but image quality and sharpness degrade

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer formation simplicityVSAvoidthickness uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent forms a single integrated electron transfer layer that can be deposited in one manufacturing step, which inherently provides better thickness uniformity compared to multiple separate layers. The single-layer structure eliminates the alignment and thickness matching issues that arise when forming multiple layers sequentially, thereby improving image quality and sharpness while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces production time, and significantly improves image sharpness by ensuring consistent electron transfer, while maintaining a thinner device structure.

Implementation Method 1

the electron transfer layer is a single layer including electron transfer members so that the electron transfer layer injects and transports electrons to the organic luminescent layer while preventing holes from the first electrode from flowing into the electron transfer layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron transport: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS7795805B2Organic light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same

Publication Date: 2010.09.14 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

An organic light emitting device includes a first electrode for providing holes, a second electrode facing the first electrode and providing electrons, an organic luminescent layer interposed between the first and second electrodes, and an electron transfer layer disposed between the second electrode and the organic luminescent layer, wherein the electron transfer layer is a single layer including electron transfer members so that the electron transfer layer injects and transports electrons to the organic luminescent layer while preventing holes from the first electrode from flowing into the electron transfer layer.