Super-hydrophobic Layer for Display Panel Waterproofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing liquid crystal display panels have poor water vapor and oxygen barrier properties, leading to moisture penetration and abnormal display issues in high temperature and high humidity environments.

Innovation Solution

A display panel with a waterproof layer formed by a reaction between photopolymerizable monomer and siloxane under light, which is applied between the substrates and sealant, enhancing the panel's waterproof performance and adhesive properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional sealant is directly coated onto the substrate surface, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the water vapor and oxygen barrier property is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater vapor and oxygen barrier propertyVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The waterproofing function is segmented into two distinct layers: a first waterproof layer formed by photopolymerizable monomer and siloxane reaction directly on the substrate, and a second waterproof layer formed by sealant coating. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally, with the first layer providing superior barrier properties and the second layer providing sealing and bonding functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first waterproof layer is formed in advance on the substrate surface through photopolymerization reaction before the sealant is applied. This preliminary action ensures that the substrate has enhanced water vapor and oxygen barrier properties before the sealing process, preventing moisture penetration from the substrate side.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a waterproof layer is added between substrate and sealant, then the waterproofness is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovewaterproofnessVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The formation of the first waterproof layer is merged with the existing manufacturing process by applying photopolymerizable monomer and siloxane composition to the substrate, which then cures under UV light or heat. This integrated approach adds the waterproofing function without requiring a completely separate manufacturing step, as it can be performed in-line with the existing sealant application and curing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical coating process is supplemented by a chemical reaction-based waterproof layer formation. Instead of relying solely on mechanical sealant application, the patent uses photopolymerization or thermal curing chemistry to create a cross-linked waterproof network, replacing purely mechanical processes with chemically-driven self-organizing structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Strength

If photopolymerizable monomer and siloxane are used to form waterproof layer, then the adhesive strength is improved, but the material selection and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidmaterial processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the photopolymerizable monomer and siloxane composition, specifically the molecular weight, functional group types, and cross-linking density, to optimize adhesive strength. By adjusting these parameters, the waterproof layer achieves strong adhesion to both the substrate and sealant while maintaining processability through controlled photopolymerization or thermal curing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The waterproof layer is formed using a composite material system comprising photopolymerizable monomer, siloxane, and potentially other additives. This composite approach combines the high adhesion properties of photopolymerizable monomers with the flexibility and water repellency of siloxane, creating a multi-functional layer that satisfies both adhesive strength and waterproofing 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 solution effectively prevents moisture penetration, ensuring the display panel's reliability and performance in high temperature and high humidity conditions, improving both waterproofness and adhesive strength between the sealant and substrates.

Implementation Method 1

a first waterproof layer is between the first substrate and the sealant; and the first waterproof layer is formed by a reaction between photopolymerizable monomer and siloxane under light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

heating the first substrate to remove solvent in the solution of the siloxane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11415837B2Display panel and manufacturing method thereof, and display device
Publication Date: 2022.08.16 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US11415837B2 patent drawing
  • US11415837B2 patent drawing
  • US11415837B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a display panel, a manufacturing method thereof and a display device, in the field of display technology. The display panel comprises a first substrate; a second substrate, opposite to the first substrate; and a sealant, between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein a first super-hydrophobic layer is between the first substrate and the sealant; and the first super-hydrophobic layer is formed by a reaction between photopolymerizable monomer and siloxane having a reactive double bond under light. The arrangement of the super-hydrophobic layer can effectively prevent moisture from entering the display panel. Thus, the waterproof performance of the display panel is improved and the display panel can still function normally when it is in a high temperature and high humidity environment for a long time.