Display Device Electrode Segmentation for Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display devices face inefficiencies in light-emitting element placement and electrical connectivity, leading to reduced emission rates and light loss, as light-emitting elements are typically confined between electrodes, limiting their ability to emit light effectively outside these regions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating contact electrodes that are electrically connected to light-emitting elements both within and outside the regions between electrodes, allowing for broader light emission and improved pixel or subpixel emission rates by enabling electrical signal transmission to elements positioned outside these areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If light-emitting elements are confined between electrodes, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easier, but the emission rate is reduced and light loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into first and second electrodes with distinct functions. The first electrode provides electrical connection to light-emitting elements both between electrodes and outside the region, while the second electrode serves as a reference electrode. This segmentation allows light-emitting elements to be positioned flexibly without compromising the emission rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the functional region beyond the traditional two-dimensional space between electrodes by allowing light-emitting elements to be positioned outside this region while maintaining electrical connection through the first electrode. This dimensional extension increases the effective emission area without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If light-emitting elements are placed outside the region between electrodes, then the emission rate is improved, but electrical connectivity becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as an electrical connection for light-emitting elements positioned between electrodes, provides electrical connection for light-emitting elements outside the region, and serves as a common electrical pathway. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall electrical connection structure despite the expanded positioning options.
3Loss of energy
If contact electrodes are added to connect light-emitting elements outside electrode regions, then light loss is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact electrodes are merged with the first electrode structure, forming an integrated electrical connection system. Rather than adding separate, independent contact electrodes, the design combines the contact function with the existing first electrode, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall device structure.
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 configuration enhances the emission rate and efficiency of light-emitting elements by ensuring all elements, regardless of their placement, can receive electrical signals, thereby minimizing light loss and improving display performance.
Implementation Method 1
contact electrodes in electrical contact with the light-emitting elements. Since the contact electrodes may be in electrical contact with the light-emitting elements and with the first or second electrode, even the light-emitting elements disposed in the regions outside of regions between the first and second electrodes can receive electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
light-emitting elements such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Examples of the LEDs include OLEDs using an organic material as a fluorescent material and inorganic LEDs using an inorganic material as a fluorescent material
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a first electrode extending in a first direction, a second electrode extending in the first direction and spaced apart from the first electrode in a second direction, a first light-emitting element disposed in a first area between the first electrode and the second electrode, a second light-emitting element disposed in a second area outside of the first area, a first contact electrode disposed on the first electrode and electrically connected with a first end of the first light-emitting element, a second contact electrode disposed on the second electrode and electrically connected with a second end of the first light-emitting element and a first end of the second light-emitting element, and a third contact electrode disposed on the first electrode and electrically connected with a second end of the second light-emitting element.