Zigzag Mask Gripper Layout for Uniform Stretching in OLED Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the fabrication of organic electroluminescent display devices, uneven stress distribution on the mask leads to inconsistent formation of light emitting layers, resulting in incorrect sizes and positions of the light emitting layers.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a mask clamping/stretching system with grippers arranged in a zigzag pattern and power supplying units, featuring jaws on each gripper to distribute stress uniformly across the mask, ensuring consistent stretching of the grill mask.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional mask clamping system is used, then the mask can be stretched, but the stress distribution is uneven causing inconsistent light emitting layer formation
Solution Approach 1:
The mask clamping system is segmented into multiple independent grippers (first gripper, second gripper, third gripper, fourth gripper) positioned at different locations around the mask periphery. Each gripper can apply force independently, allowing for distributed and uniform stress application across the mask during stretching, thereby preventing inconsistent light emitting layer formation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each gripper is equipped with multiple jaws (e.g., first jaw, second jaw, third jaw within each gripper) that contact different local regions of the mask. This local quality differentiation ensures that stress is distributed uniformly across various portions of the mask, preventing concentration of force at single points and ensuring consistent light emitting layer formation throughout the display device.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple grippers are used to improve stress distribution, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple grippers are merged into a single integrated mask clamping/stretching apparatus that operates as a unified system. The first, second, third, and fourth grippers work simultaneously under coordinated control, reducing the need for separate clamping mechanisms and simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining high manufacturing precision for light emitting layer formation.
Solution Approach 2:
Each gripper is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a clamping element (through its jaws that contact the mask) and as a stretching actuator (through its connection to the power supplying unit). This universal design reduces the need for separate clamping and stretching mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while achieving uniform stress distribution for precise light emitting layer formation.
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus for fabricating an organic electroluminescent device which can distribute stress applied to the mask uniformly to form precise and reliable light emitting layers is disclosed. The apparatus for fabricating an electroluminescent device according to the present invention comprises a plurality of grippers disposed in a zigzag state at a periphery of a mask for clamping the mask, a plurality of jaws formed on each gripper and contacting with the mask, and power supplying units for supplying power to the grippers to stretch the mask. Each of the grippers is divided into a connecting section connected to the power supplying unit and a head section integrated into the connecting section, and a plurality of jaws are formed on the head section of each gripper, and odd (or even)-numbered grippers disposed at each side of the mask are disposed in a more forward position than even (or odd)-numbered grippers. Accordingly, the head section of each even (or odd)-numbered gripper is placed between the connection sections of two adjacent odd (or even)-numbered grippers. The head sections of even-numbered grippers and the head sections of odd-numbered grippers are arranged alternatively in two different imaginary lines. Also, the jaws are arranged in a line on the head section of each gripper or are arranged in a zigzag state on the head section of each gripper. At this time, the jaws are arranged by equal distance from each other.