Display Device With Differently Sized Organic Openings for Light Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In display devices, light emitted from light emitting elements is refracted and extinguished due to differing refractive indices of various layers, leading to reduced light output efficiency and complex manufacturing processes.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a substrate with a light emission area, a light emitting element layer, and refractive layers with controlled optical indices and inclined side surfaces to manage light refraction, along with an anti-reflection layer and color filter configuration to enhance light output efficiency and simplify manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple layers with different refractive indices are used in the display device, then light refraction control is improved, but light output efficiency decreases due to light extinction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight refraction controlVSAvoidlight output efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of light refraction (which causes light extinction and reduces output efficiency) into a beneficial effect by introducing refraction layers with specifically controlled refractive indices. These layers are designed to refract light in a controlled manner that directs it toward the front surface, transforming the previously harmful refraction into a useful light-guiding mechanism that improves both refraction control and maintains high light output efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the refractive index values of the refraction layers. The first refraction layer has a refractive index of 1.30-1.60, the second refraction layer has 1.60-1.80, and the third refraction layer has 1.70-1.90. By optimizing these specific parameter ranges, the patent achieves effective light refraction control while minimizing light extinction, thus resolving the contradiction between refraction control precision and light output efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If multiple refraction layers with different refractive indices are added to control light refraction, then light transmission is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the light management function into multiple distinct refraction layers, each with a specific refractive index range and position. The first refraction layer (1.30-1.60) is positioned closest to the light emitting element, the second refraction layer (1.60-1.80) is in the middle, and the third refraction layer (1.70-1.90) is farthest away. This segmentation allows each layer to perform a specific refraction function, achieving superior light transmission while maintaining organized structural complexity that is manageable in manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by giving each refraction layer a distinct refractive index property tailored to its specific position and function. Rather than using a uniform material throughout, each layer has locally optimized optical properties: the first layer has lower refractive index (1.30-1.60) for initial light management, the second layer has intermediate index (1.60-1.80) for intermediate refraction, and the third layer has higher index (1.70-1.90) for final light direction control. This local optimization achieves high light transmission while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through functional specialization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Improves light output efficiency and simplifies the manufacturing process by optimizing refractive index differences and layer configurations, enhancing light transmission and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Implementation Method 1

Various layers (e.g., insulating layers) configuring the functional panel and windows may have refractive indices (i.e., light refractive indices) different from each other. Therefore, some of the light emitted from the light emitting element may be refracted while passing through the layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12461620B2Display device having organic layers with different sizes of openings
Publication Date: 2025.11.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US12461620B2 patent drawing
  • US12461620B2 patent drawing
  • US12461620B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes a pixel defining layer on a substrate and having a first opening defining a light emission area, a light emitting element layer in the light emission area and including an anode electrode, a sensing electrode on the pixel defining layer and having a second opening overlapping the first opening, and a first organic layer covering the sensing electrode and having a third opening overlapping the first opening, wherein a width of the second opening is greater than a width of the first opening in a plan view.