Alignment Line Layout to Block Static Inflow in Micro-LED Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies for manufacturing micro light-emitting elements using inorganic crystal structures face challenges in preventing static electricity inflow during the panel manufacturing process, particularly due to the alignment lines in display devices.
Innovation Solution
A display device design that includes a substrate with a multilayer alignment line structure, where the main line is only present in the display area and the sub line is spaced apart from the edge of the substrate, reducing static electricity inflow by forming a trench region in the sub line at the cutting line overlap area and covering it with an insulating layer and encapsulation film.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the alignment line extends to the edge of the substrate including in the non-display area, then the alignment function is improved, but static electricity inflow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment line is divided into two separate parts: a main line in the display area and a sub line in the non-display area. They are electrically disconnected at the cutting line, preventing static electricity from flowing through the entire alignment line to the edge of the substrate. This segmentation maintains the alignment function while blocking the static electricity path.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub line in the non-display area is extracted and separated from the main line. By removing the continuous electrical connection at the cutting line, the harmful static electricity inflow path is eliminated while the essential alignment function in the display area is preserved through the main line.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the main line is removed from the non-display area, then static electricity inflow is reduced, but the alignment line continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment line is segmented into a main line and a sub line that are spatially separated and electrically disconnected. The main line remains in the display area to provide alignment function, while the sub line is isolated in the non-display area, preventing static electricity flow without disrupting the functional continuity of the alignment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting line acts as an intermediary barrier between the main line and sub line. This discontinuity at the cutting line interrupts the static electricity path while allowing both line segments to fulfill their respective functions in their designated areas.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sub line is located close to the cutting line, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but static electricity exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sub line is extracted and positioned in the non-display area away from the cutting line. This extraction removes it from the high-risk zone near the cutting line, reducing static electricity exposure while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard patterning processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub line is relocated to a different spatial zone (the non-display area) rather than being positioned close to the cutting line in the display area. This dimensional relocation reduces static electricity exposure while the manufacturing process remains simplified through conventional layout design.
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
This design effectively reduces or prevents static electricity inflow during the panel manufacturing process, improving the manufacturing efficiency and quality of display devices by isolating the static electricity path and enhancing the alignment voltage distribution.
Implementation Method 1
when a predetermined voltage is supplied to first and second alignment lines of the pixel, an electric field is formed between the first and second alignment lines, and the light-emitting elements are self-aligned between the first and second alignment lines
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a display device including a substrate including a display area including a plurality of pixel areas, and a non-display area outside the display area, a pixel circuit layer including a plurality of circuit elements in the display area, a display element layer including a plurality of light-emitting elements in the display area on the pixel circuit layer, and first and second alignment lines on the substrate, and each including a main line at the same layer as at least one electrode on the display element layer, and a sub line electrically connected to the main line and at the same layer as at least one electrode on the pixel circuit layer, wherein the first alignment line and the second alignment line do not include the main line in the non-display area, and include the sub line to be spaced apart from one edge of the substrate.