Auxiliary Electrode Transfer Structure for OLED Brightness Uniformity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional auxiliary electrode transfer methods for OLED display panels face challenges with high sheet resistance leading to IR drop and ununiform brightness, particularly in large-size displays, due to difficulties in thickness uniformity and deformation of the black matrix and photo spacer, and limitations with printed metallic nanoparticle ink in terms of durability and temperature sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

An auxiliary electrode transfer structure comprising a transparent base layer, a light-to-heat transformation layer with thermosetting or thermoplastic resin and laser-absorbing materials, a graphene layer, and an aluminum auxiliary electrode, where a laser mechanism forms a new auxiliary electrode by melting and reforming the existing electrode, improving electrical connection and brightness uniformity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a thicker auxiliary cathode is used to decrease resistance, then the sheet resistance is reduced and brightness uniformity is improved, but thickness uniformity of the black matrix and photo spacer becomes difficult to control and deformation of the OLED back glass becomes more serious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness uniformityVSAvoidthickness uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the auxiliary cathode into multiple layers: a first auxiliary cathode layer deposited on the OLED back glass, and a second auxiliary cathode layer deposited on the color filter cover plate. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the first layer provides mechanical support and baseline conductivity, while the second layer provides additional conductivity where needed, resolving the contradiction between achieving low resistance and maintaining manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transparent adhesive layer as an intermediary between the first auxiliary cathode layer and the OLED back glass, and between the second auxiliary cathode layer and the color filter cover plate. This intermediary ensures reliable electrical connection and mechanical adhesion without requiring excessive thickness of the black matrix or photo spacer, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving the desired electrical performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If printed metallic nanoparticle ink is used to form auxiliary electrodes, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the OLED devices are damaged by water or solvent and curing temperatures are limited preventing effective resistance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoiddevice durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical-based inkjet printing process with a physical vacuum deposition process. Instead of using metallic nanoparticle ink that requires solvent curing, the auxiliary cathode layers are deposited directly in vacuum, eliminating exposure to water or solvent that could damage OLED devices. This substitution maintains ease of manufacture through automated deposition while dramatically improving device durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the deposition parameters by using vacuum deposition instead of inkjet printing, allowing the auxiliary cathode to be formed without requiring high-temperature curing. The vacuum deposition process occurs at low temperatures, preventing thermal damage to OLED devices while still achieving effective resistance reduction through controlled metal layer deposition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method effectively reduces sheet resistance and improves brightness uniformity by forming a new auxiliary electrode with precise control, addressing the limitations of conventional methods and ensuring durability and temperature stability.

Implementation Method 1

a laser mechanism forms a new auxiliary electrode by melting and reforming the existing electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a light-to-heat transformation layer with thermosetting or thermoplastic resin and laser-absorbing materials

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight-to-heat transformation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11527734B2Auxiliary electrode transfer structure and manufacturing method for display panel
Publication Date: 2022.12.13 SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICON DISPLAY TECH CO LTD
  • US11527734B2 patent drawing
  • US11527734B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention discloses an auxiliary electrode transfer structure and a manufacturing method for a display panel. The auxiliary electrode transfer structure includes a transparent base layer; a light-to-heat transformation layer disposed above the transparent base layer; and an auxiliary electrode disposed above the light-to-heat transformation layer; a laser mechanism configured to form laser, wherein the laser penetrates the transparent base layer to the light-to-heat transformation layer.