Transparent Flexible OLED Lighting With Thin-Film Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor-based light-emitting diodes are expensive, particularly for large-area applications, and lack flexibility and transparency to visible light, making them unsuitable for cost-effective and versatile lighting solutions in public spaces, furniture, and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An organic luminous means comprising a substrate with electrodes and an organic layer stack that generates light, is transmissive to visible light, and can be used for illumination and information representation, featuring a flexible and transparent design with a thin-film encapsulation to protect against atmospheric gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If semiconductor-based light-emitting diodes are used for large-area illumination, then illumination area is increased, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive semiconductor-based LEDs with organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that use organic compounds as the light-emitting material. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining large-area illumination capability, as organic materials can be deposited using low-cost vacuum evaporation or solution-based techniques rather than expensive semiconductor fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite structure consisting of multiple organic layers (hole injection layer, hole transport layer, emitting layer, electron transport layer, electron injection layer) deposited on a substrate with electrode patterns. This layered composite approach enables large-area fabrication through sequential deposition processes, achieving cost-effective large-area illumination that semiconductor LEDs cannot provide.
2Ease of operation
If semiconductor-based light-emitting diodes are used, then illumination function is achieved, but flexibility is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin-film organic layers deposited on flexible substrates to create flexible OLED structures. The organic light-emitting layers and electrode patterns can be formed on bendable substrates, enabling the illumination device to conform to curved surfaces and flexible mounting locations, which rigid semiconductor LEDs cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The organic light-emitting structure with its flexible substrate and thin-film construction provides universal applicability across diverse environments including curved surfaces, flexible displays, wearable devices, and various interior lighting applications. This multi-functionality exceeds the limited application scope of rigid semiconductor LEDs.
3Ease of manufacture
If semiconductor-based light-emitting diodes are used, then illumination is provided, but transparency to visible light is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film organic layers and transparent conductive electrodes that allow visible light to pass through when not illuminated. The thin-film construction with organic emitting layers and transparent substrate enables the device to function as both a light source and a transparent window, providing application versatility that opaque semiconductor LEDs cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of organic materials with appropriate optical properties enables cost-effective production of transparent light-emitting devices. The organic layers can be selected to provide both light emission and transparency in the visible range, creating a dual-function component that replaces both traditional lighting and window materials.
4Ease of manufacture
If organic light-emitting diodes are used, then cost and flexibility are improved, but protection against atmospheric gases is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates encapsulation layers that create a barrier between the organic light-emitting materials and atmospheric gases such as oxygen and moisture. This encapsulation protects the sensitive organic compounds from degradation by environmental factors, ensuring long-term reliability while maintaining the cost-effectiveness and flexibility advantages of organic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The device structure combines organic light-emitting layers with protective encapsulation materials to create a composite structure that provides both the desired optical and mechanical properties and environmental resistance. This multi-layer composite approach protects the organic materials from atmospheric degradation without compromising the flexibility and cost advantages.
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 organic luminous means provides a cost-effective, flexible, and transparent lighting solution suitable for various applications, including public spaces, furniture, and vehicles, offering variable color impressions and efficient illumination while being resistant to environmental influences.
Implementation Method 1
an organic layer stack within an active region of the substrate between the first and the second electrode, wherein the organic layer stack comprises at least one organic layer which is suitable for generating light
Implementation Method 2
with a thin-film encapsulation to protect against atmospheric gases
Data Source
AI summary
An organic luminous means and an illumination device comprising such a luminous means are specified. An optical display apparatus, emergency lighting, motor vehicle interior lighting, an item of furniture, a construction material, a glazing and a display comprising such a luminous means and, respectively, comprising an illumination device having such a luminous means are furthermore specified.