Display Panel Undercut Groove for Light Transmission and Moisture Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices face challenges in integrating sensors and other elements while maintaining high light transmittance and preventing moisture penetration through the opening area.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design featuring a substrate with an opening area surrounded by a display area, utilizing a multilayer film with a first groove having an undercut structure, and a thin film encapsulation layer comprising organic and inorganic layers to enhance moisture barrier and light transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a wide range of sensors and other elements are integrated into the display device, then the functionality and adaptability of the display device is improved, but the light transmittance through the opening area deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the encapsulation structure by introducing a groove that divides the encapsulation layer into separate regions. This allows different materials or structures to be placed in different segments of the encapsulation layer, enabling optimization for both sensor integration and light transmittance without compromising either function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating a groove structure that allows different regions of the encapsulation layer to have different properties. The groove enables selective placement of materials with different transmittance characteristics in specific areas, optimizing light transmission where needed while maintaining sensor protection where required.
2Device complexity
If a thin film encapsulation layer is used to protect display elements, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the moisture barrier performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining an organic encapsulation layer with an inorganic encapsulation layer. The organic layer provides flexibility and conformality, while the inorganic layer (such as silicon nitride or silicon oxide) provides superior moisture and oxygen barrier properties, achieving enhanced protection without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a groove structure that adds a dimensional feature to the encapsulation layer. This groove enables the formation of a multi-layer encapsulation structure where the inorganic layer can be positioned to provide enhanced barrier properties, effectively addressing moisture protection while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
3Productivity
If the display area is increased, then the productivity and usage range are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring precise structural features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large display area by introducing a groove structure that creates distinct regions. This segmentation allows for better control and measurement of structural features in each region while maintaining the overall large display area, facilitating both productivity and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a substrate having an opening area, and a display area at least partially surrounding the opening area. Display elements are arranged in the display area. The display elements includes a pixel electrode, an opposite electrode, and an intermediate layer interposed therebetween. A multilayer film includes a first insulating layer between the substrate and the pixel electrode and a second insulating layer, of a different material, on the first insulating layer. A thin film encapsulation layer covers the display elements and includes at least one organic encapsulation layer and at least one inorganic encapsulation layer. The multilayer film includes a first groove disposed between the opening area and the display area. The first groove has an undercut structure in which a lower width of the first groove is greater than an upper width of the first groove.