Thin Film Encapsulation Layer for Display Moisture Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display apparatuses face challenges in preventing the permeation of external moisture and oxygen, which can degrade the quality of the display and lead to organic material overflow, especially in the peripheral areas where sealing techniques are critical.
Innovation Solution
A display apparatus with a thin film encapsulation layer comprising a first inorganic encapsulation layer, an organic encapsulation layer, and a second inorganic encapsulation layer, along with a dam structure and an organic material detection part, where the first inorganic encapsulation layer extends to the peripheral area and includes an opening for the detection part, effectively preventing moisture and oxygen infiltration and detecting organic material overflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a thin film encapsulation layer is used to achieve thin and light display apparatuses, then the device becomes thinner and lighter, but the prevention of moisture and oxygen permeation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite encapsulation structure consisting of multiple inorganic layers (first and second inorganic encapsulation layers) alternating with organic layers (buffer layer and intermediate layer). This multi-material composite approach provides superior barrier properties against moisture and oxygen permeation while maintaining the thin and light characteristics of the display apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The encapsulation structure follows a nested configuration where the buffer layer is positioned between the substrate and the first inorganic encapsulation layer, and the intermediate layer is positioned between the two inorganic encapsulation layers. This nested arrangement creates multiple barriers within a compact structure, enhancing protection against environmental factors while preserving device thinness.
2Reliability
If the first inorganic encapsulation layer extends to the peripheral area, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inorganic encapsulation layers are segmented to extend specifically to the peripheral area of the substrate, creating a distinct sealing zone. This segmentation allows the encapsulation structure to provide enhanced sealing at critical edges while maintaining a simpler configuration in the central display area, thus balancing sealing effectiveness with structural simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If an opening is created in the first inorganic encapsulation layer for the detector, then organic material detection is enabled, but the protection against moisture and oxygen infiltration is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The second inorganic encapsulation layer serves as an intermediary barrier that covers the opening in the first inorganic encapsulation layer. This intermediate layer allows the detector to access organic material through the opening while simultaneously providing continued protection against moisture and oxygen infiltration, thus mediating between detection requirements and sealing requirements.
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 reduces the infiltration of external moisture and oxygen, while the organic material detection part ensures optimal control of organic material usage, preventing overflow and maintaining the integrity of the display area.
Implementation Method 1
preventing or reducing permeation of external moisture or oxygen
Data Source
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AI summary
A display apparatus includes a substrate (100) having a display area (DA) in which an image is displayed and a peripheral area (PA) outside the display area; a thin film encapsulation layer (400) at the display area (DA), the thin film encapsulation layer (400) including a first inorganic encapsulation layer (410), an organic encapsulation layer (420), and a second inorganic encapsulation layer (430) that are stacked; a dam (120) at the peripheral area (PA); and an organic material detection part outside the dam (120), the organic material detection part (220) including at least one detector (221, 223, 225, 227). The first inorganic encapsulation layer (410) and the second inorganic encapsulation layer (420) extend from the display area (DA) to the peripheral area (PA), and the first inorganic encapsulation layer (410) has an opening (410h) that corresponds to at least a portion of the organic material detection part (220).