Capacitor Repair via Laser Disconnection in Display Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display devices with organic EL elements face challenges in reducing pixel malfunction rates due to short-circuits, particularly in the capacitor elements, which require additional space for repair and complex fabrication processes, leading to increased area usage and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A display device with a parallel-plate capacitor unit incorporating a disconnectable and connectable portion, allowing for simultaneous disconnection of malfunctioning capacitor elements and connection of backup capacitor elements using laser irradiation, thereby simplifying the repair process and reducing the area required for repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If capacitor elements are provided in the pixel drive circuit, then the timing of light-emission from the organic EL elements can be controlled, but the area for the capacitor elements becomes relatively large, causing increased susceptibility to particles and short-circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar arrangement of capacitor elements to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. Multiple capacitor elements are arranged in different layers (first capacitor element in one layer, second capacitor element in another layer), allowing vertical stacking that reduces the horizontal area occupied while maintaining the required capacitance function. This dimensional change directly addresses the contradiction by reducing area without compromising reliability.
2Ease of repair
If backup capacitor elements are provided for repair, then pixel characteristics can be maintained after malfunction, but additional space is required for the backup elements and repair infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the backup capacitor function with the existing capacitor elements by providing multiple capacitor elements (first and second capacitor elements) that can serve as backups to each other. When one capacitor element malfunctions, the other can take over its function. This eliminates the need for separate backup capacitor elements and reduces the area required for repair components while maintaining pixel repair capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor elements are designed with multi-functionality where they serve both as primary functional elements and as backup elements for each other. The first capacitor element and second capacitor element can interchangeably perform the timing control function, allowing any one of them to serve as a backup for the others. This universal design reduces the need for dedicated backup components and minimizes the area required for repair infrastructure.
3Ease of repair
If disconnectable and connectable portions are provided for laser repair, then malfunctioning capacitor elements can be replaced, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates disconnectable portions and connectable portions as pre-designed features during the manufacturing process. These features are built into the structure of the capacitor elements and their connections before the device is put into service. By preparing these disconnection and connection points in advance, the patent enables easy replacement of malfunctioning capacitor elements through laser processing without requiring complex repair procedures or additional structural complexity during operation.
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 approach enables efficient repair of malfunctioning pixels without reducing capacitance, simplifies the fabrication process, and minimizes the area needed for repair, maintaining high-definition display quality.
Implementation Method 1
simultaneous disconnection of malfunctioning capacitor elements and connection of backup capacitor elements using laser irradiation
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor unit in a display device includes: a capacitor element having a first capacitor electrode connected to a power line and provided in a GM electrode layer and a second capacitor electrode connected to a line and provided in an SD electrode layer; a backup capacitor element having a first backup capacitor electrode provided in the GM electrode layer and a second backup capacitor electrode connected to the power line and provided in the SD electrode layer; a disconnect-able portion at which a connection between the second capacitor electrode and the line can be disconnected; and a connectable portion at which the first backup capacitor electrode and the line can be connected, and the disconnect-able portion and the connectable portion are arranged at a position in which the disconnect-able portion and the connectable portion overlap in a stacking direction.