Alternating Anode Cathode Pads Homogeneous OLED Field

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs) face challenges in achieving homogeneous light emission due to inhomogeneous electrical fields, which can be complicated to address with complex anode and cathode structures, increasing assembly efforts.

Innovation Solution

A light-emitting device with an alternating arrangement of anode and cathode pads supported by a substrate, encapsulated in a thin-film encapsulation with openings for external access, connected by straight metal electrical connectors that provide a homogeneous electrical field and simplify assembly by eliminating the need for additional insulation layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If complex anode and cathode structures are used to improve light emission homogeneity, then the degree of homogeneity of light emission is improved, but assembly efforts increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission homogeneityVSAvoidassembly efforts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structures are segmented into multiple alternating anode and cathode pads arranged in a grid pattern, where each pad is independently connected to external electrical contacts. This segmentation allows for simplified individual pad connections while collectively achieving homogeneous light emission across the entire device area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If alternating arrangement of anode and cathode pads is used to create homogeneous electrical field, then light emission homogeneity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emission homogeneityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple alternating anode and cathode pads are merged into a unified grid structure that collectively creates a homogeneous electrical field across the light emission region. The combined effect of these interconnected pads achieves the desired field uniformity while maintaining individual pad simplicity for easier manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If straight metal stripes are used for electrical connectors, then assembly efforts are reduced, but electrical insulation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly effortsVSAvoidelectrical insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The thin-film encapsulation layer serves as an intermediary insulating barrier between the straight metal stripe connectors and the underlying alternating electrode pads. This mediator provides the necessary electrical insulation, allowing the use of simple straight metal connectors without compromising electrical reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution results in improved light emission homogeneity and reduced assembly efforts by creating a more uniform electrical field and simplifying the electrical connection process, while the thin-film encapsulation protects the device from environmental influences.

Implementation Method 1

the thin-film encapsulation electrically insulates the anode pads from the straight part of the cathode electrical connector and electrically insulates the cathode pads from the straight part of the anode electrical connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

the anode pads are electrically connected by a straight part of the anode electrical connector and the cathode pads are electrically connected by a straight part of the cathode electrical connector, wherein the straight parts of the anode and cathode electrical connectors are metal stripes that have been deposited on the thin-film encapsulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3011612B1Light-emitting device with alternating arrangement of anode pads and cathode pads
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 OLEDWORKS GMBH
  • EP3011612B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3011612B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3011612B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a light-emitting device like an OLED comprising a light emission region between an anode (5) and a cathode (6). An alternating arrangement (9) of anode pads (11) for electrically connecting the anode and cathode pads (10) for electrically connecting the cathode and an encapsulation (8) are configured such that the anode and cathode pads are electrically connectable by straight anode and cathode electrical connectors (3, 4) through openings (12) of the encapsulation. The alternating arrangement of the anode and cathode pads can lead to a more homogenous electrical field between the anode and the cathode and therefore allows for an improved degree of homogeneity of light emission. More, since the alternating arrangement of the anode and cathode pads is connectable by corresponding straight connectors, the contacting of the pads can be performed technically relatively easily.