Display Inkjet Electrode Control for Uniform LED Pixel Deposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display device manufacturing technologies face challenges in uniformly distributing light emitting elements across pixels, leading to variations in emission efficiency and increased production costs.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for manufacturing display devices that include a reservoir for ink containing light emitting elements and a solvent, an element-movement control module with a pipe part and an electrode part to control the movement of light emitting elements, and a nozzle part for ejecting ink. The element-movement control module operates in two modes: one allowing unrestricted movement and another restricting movement using an electric field, ensuring uniform distribution of light emitting elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If light emitting elements are freely distributed in ink without movement control, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the distribution uniformity across pixels deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing process simplicityVSAvoiddistribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical movement control methods with an electric field-based control system. Electrodes generate electric fields that interact with light emitting elements (which have electrical properties) to control their movement and distribution in the ink, achieving precise spatial control without complex mechanical mechanisms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent controls the distribution of light emitting elements by changing electrical parameters (electric field strength, voltage, electrode configuration) rather than mechanical parameters. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the system can precisely control element movement and achieve uniform distribution across different pixel regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If light emitting elements are restricted in movement using electric field, then the distribution uniformity improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution uniformityVSAvoidcontrol module complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the control system into multiple independent electrodes or electrode groups, each responsible for controlling light emitting elements in specific regions. This segmentation allows localized control and simplifies the overall system design by breaking down the complex control task into manageable regional units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electric field control system serves multiple functions: it guides light emitting elements to target regions, prevents aggregation in unwanted areas, and enables uniform distribution across pixels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms and simplifies the overall device architecture.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If electrodes are added to control element movement, then the distribution precision improves, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement distribution precisionVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the electrode control system directly into the inkjet printing process, utilizing the existing fluid delivery infrastructure. The electrodes are positioned to work in conjunction with the ink ejection mechanism, allowing element control during the normal printing operation without requiring separate control systems or additional production steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 solution achieves uniform distribution of light emitting elements across pixels, reducing production costs and enhancing emission efficiency by precisely controlling the movement of light emitting elements during the manufacturing process.

Implementation Method 1

the electrode part may form an electric field, and the movement of the light emitting element in the ink channel may be restricted at least in an area corresponding to a position at which the electrode part is disposed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

a nozzle part that ejects the ink outward

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInk ejection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250087507A1Apparatus for manufacturing display device, method of manufacturing display device using apparatus for manufacturing display device, and display device manufactured by method of manufacturing display device
Publication Date: 2025.03.13 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20250087507A1 patent drawing
  • US20250087507A1 patent drawing
  • US20250087507A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An apparatus of manufacturing a display device may include a reservoir that receives ink including a light emitting element and a solvent; an element-movement control module including a pipe part defining an ink channel fluidly connected to the reservoir, and an electrode part disposed on a surface of the pipe part; and a nozzle part that ejects the ink outward. The element-movement control module may operate in a first mode or a second mode. In case that the element-movement control module operates in the first mode, movement of the light emitting element may be unrestricted. In case that the element-movement control module operates in the second mode, the electrode part may form an electric field, and the movement of the light emitting element in the ink channel may be restricted at least in an area corresponding to a position at which the electrode part is disposed.