Multifunctional Conductive Element for Display Pad-Line Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in integrating conductive elements that can emit light or function as electrical connectors, leading to complexities in fabrication and process integration.

Innovation Solution

A conductive element is designed with a semiconductor layer structure, including a first and second semiconductor layer, an active layer, an element insulating layer, and a conductive pattern layer. This structure allows the conductive element to emit light and function as an electrical connector, and is integrated into a display device with a pad line and chip-on-film configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate conductive elements are used for light emission and electrical connection, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity and fabrication difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines light emission and electrical connection functions into a single conductive element. The conductive element includes a conductive layer that can emit light and semiconductor layers that provide electrical connection, merging two separate functional components into one integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both a light-emitting component and an electrical connector. The element insulating layer and conductive pattern layer work together to enable both optical and electrical functions within a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for light emission and electrical connection, then functional performance is improved, but manufacturing process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple manufacturing steps into a more integrated process. By forming the conductive layer, element insulating layer, and conductive pattern layer in a coordinated sequence, the patent reduces the number of separate assembly steps required compared to manufacturing separate conductive elements and connecting them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple conductive element structure is used, then fabrication ease is improved, but functional integration of light emission and electrical connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication easeVSAvoidfunctional integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive element achieves multi-functionality through its layered structure. The conductive layer provides both light emission capability and electrical conductivity, while the element insulating layer and conductive pattern layer enable the element to serve as both an optical component and an electrical connector within a relatively simple fabrication process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 proposed solution enhances the processability of display devices by integrating light-emitting and electrical connector functions into a single conductive element, improving the efficiency and reliability of the display device fabrication process.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive element that emits light or functions as an electrical connector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Data Source

PatentEP4553905A1Conductive element, display device, and method for manufacturing display device
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4553905A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4553905A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4553905A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A conductive element may include: a first semiconductor layer adjacent to a first end portion of the conductive element; a second semiconductor layer adjacent to a second end portion of the conductive element; an active layer disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, an element insulating layer covering the active layer and exposing the first end portion and the second end portion; and a conductive pattern layer disposed on the element insulating layer.