Spacer Geometry for Parallel Substrates in Bendable Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices, particularly bendable OLEDs, face challenges in maintaining a slim thickness due to the need for spacers that prevent light emitting layer delamination and foreign substance generation, while ensuring parallel substrate alignment to avoid light leakage and maintain image quality.
Innovation Solution
A display device structure featuring spacers with varying outer portions and shapes to minimize contact with the mask during layer formation, ensuring point contact and reducing foreign substance generation, while maintaining parallel substrate alignment and preventing light emitting layer delamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a first spacer with greater height is used to support the mask during light emitting layer formation, then foreign substance generation is prevented, but the overall thickness of the display device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer is divided into two distinct portions: a first outer portion that contacts the mask during deposition and a second outer portion that maintains substrate spacing. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, with the first portion being shorter to minimize thickness while still providing adequate mask support.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the spacer are given different heights and geometries tailored to their local functions. The first outer portion has a height optimized for mask contact and support, while the second outer portion has a different height optimized for maintaining the light emitting layer spacing and preventing delamination.
2Strength
If spacers with larger contact area with mask are used, then mask support is improved, but foreign substance generation increases due to rubbing
Solution Approach 1:
The first outer portion of the spacer is designed with a curved or rounded outer surface rather than a flat surface. This curvature concentrates the mask contact force at specific points or along a narrow arc, reducing the rubbing area and minimizing foreign substance generation while still providing adequate mask support during deposition.
3Length of stationary object
If substrate spacing is reduced to slim down the display device, then device thickness is reduced, but light emitting layer delamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer structure transitions from a single-height monolithic form to a multi-level structure with different outer portions at different heights. This dimensional variation allows the spacer to maintain adequate spacing for light emitting layer adhesion in critical regions while minimizing overall device thickness in other regions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to the display panel and the display device include a first electrode disposed on a substrate, at least one spacer disposed on the bank, the outer edge of the spacer includes a first outer edge portion corresponding to from the bank to a first height above the bank and a second outer edge portion corresponding to a predetermined height from the first height. The first outer edge portion has a second tapering shape, and the second outer edge portion includes a part having a first tapering shape or a part having a convex shape.