Water and Moisture-resistant Micro-LED Display Technology

4 patents in this list

Updated: November 21, 2024

Micro-LED displays are transforming visual technology with their vibrant colors and energy efficiency, yet they face a persistent threat from water and moisture. In environments prone to humidity, even the smallest exposure can degrade performance, leading to color shifts or display failure. This vulnerability is particularly challenging as displays are increasingly used in wearable and flexible devices, where exposure to the elements is inevitable.

Ensuring resilience against moisture requires a delicate balance of materials and design. Engineers must address these challenges without compromising the display's brightness, flexibility, or energy efficiency. The task is to create displays that stand up to the elements while maintaining their visual appeal and functionality.

This page explores recent research and engineering strategies that enhance the durability of micro-LED displays. Techniques like optically functional layers, moisture-blocking encapsulation, and flexible bonding are discussed. These solutions improve performance by enhancing light extraction, protecting against moisture, and ensuring reliable operation in diverse conditions.

1. Micro LED Display Device with Quantum Dot Isolation Frame and Positioning Frame Integration

PlayNitride Display Co., Ltd., 2023

Micro LED display device with improved packaging to prevent chromatic aberration when using quantum dot (QD) materials. The display has a positioning frame outside the display region to connect the cover plate to the substrate. An isolation frame surrounds the positioning frame to block environmental factors like water and oxygen from the QDs. The isolation frame has a lower water vapor transmission rate than the positioning frame to protect the QDs better. This prevents chromatic aberration when viewing the display from wider angles.

2. Fluoropolymer-Coated LED Package Structure with Differential Transmittance Encapsulant and Sealing Mechanism

LITE-ON OPTO TECHNOLOGY (CHANGZHOU) CO., LTD., 2022

LED package structure with waterproofing to improve light extraction and reliability. The structure has an LED on a substrate enclosed in a through hole with a side wall. An encapsulant fills the hole around the LED. A waterproof coating seals between the encapsulant and side wall. The coating and encapsulant are fluoropolymers with different transmittances. The lower transmittance coating seals the interface to prevent moisture ingress. The higher transmittance encapsulant allows light extraction.

3. Barrier-Layer-Coated Organic Substrate for Moisture-Resistant Electronic Device Packaging

STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l., 2022

Waterproof packaging for electronic devices like sensors that uses organic substrates and a barrier layer to prevent moisture ingress through the substrate. The devices have a package with an organic substrate that allows moisture penetration. A barrier layer is formed on the substrate surface facing the component to block moisture ingress. This prevents contamination of the component from absorbed moisture in the organic substrate.

4. Encapsulation Substrate with Penetrating Holes and Moisture-Blocking Layer for LED Displays

LG Display Co., Ltd., 2020

Display apparatus with improved moisture and warpage resistance in encapsulated LED displays. The display has an encapsulation substrate with penetrating holes overlapping a moisture-blocking layer between the LED and the encapsulation substrate. This prevents moisture ingress while still allowing heat escape. The moisture-blocking layer has lower water vapor transmission rate than the encapsulating layer. The penetrating holes have small size and sufficient spacing to minimize moisture differences and prevent warpage. The blocking layer is made of a hard material to complement the soft encapsulation substrate rigidity.