Display Device Light Control Layer Groove Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices in vehicles face challenges with image reflection on windshields at night, interfering with driver operation and privacy concerns, necessitating improved viewing angle control and reliability of light control layers.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a light control layer with a light-blocking layer disposed on a groove within a thin film encapsulation and touch sensor layer, enhancing viewing angle control and reliability through optimized layer thickness and structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a light control layer is added to control viewing angle, then viewing angle control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle controlVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light control layer is segmented into multiple functional layers: a light-blocking layer with light-blocking particles for viewing angle control, and a light-transmitting layer for light transmission. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light-blocking layer uses light-blocking particles distributed in a matrix material, creating local light-blocking properties only where needed. The groove structure further localizes the light-blocking effect to specific regions, allowing viewing angle control without affecting the entire display area uniformly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the light-blocking layer is made thicker to improve light blocking, then viewing angle control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveviewing angle controlVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The groove depth is controlled within a specific range (5 μm to 50 μm) to achieve optimal light-blocking performance. This parameter optimization allows sufficient light-blocking capability while maintaining manufacturability and avoiding excessive thickness that would compromise manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The light-blocking layer combines light-blocking particles (such as carbon black, titanium oxide, or aluminum oxide) with a matrix material (such as epoxy resin or acrylic resin). This composite structure provides effective light-blocking performance with controlled thickness, reducing the need for excessive layer thickness while achieving the desired viewing angle control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If grooves are formed in the first layer to accommodate the light-blocking layer, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grooves are formed in the first layer (thin film encapsulation layer or touch sensor layer) before the light-blocking layer is deposited. This preliminary action ensures proper adhesion and positioning of the light-blocking layer, improving reliability by preventing delamination while the groove formation process integrates with existing manufacturing workflows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The groove structure acts as an intermediary between the first layer and the light-blocking layer, providing a mechanical interlock that enhances adhesion. This intermediary structure improves reliability by ensuring proper bonding between layers without requiring additional complex manufacturing steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design improves viewing angle control and reliability by minimizing light reflection and emission, ensuring privacy and reducing manufacturing costs while preventing film burst phenomena.

Implementation Method 1

a light-blocking layer configured to block the light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a light-transmitting layer configured to transmit the light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission:

Data Source

PatentEP4531528A1Display device and method for manufacturing the display device
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4531528A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4531528A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4531528A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is display device and method for manufacturing the display device. A display device includes a substrate, a light emitting element layer disposed on the substrate, including a plurality of light emitting elements configured to emit light, a light control layer disposed on the light emitting element layer, including a light-transmitting layer configured to transmit the light, and a light-blocking layer configured to block the light. The display device further includes an intermediate layer including at least one of a thin film encapsulation layer or a touch sensor layer, wherein the intermediate layer is disposed between the light emitting element layer and the light control layer, and a groove passing through at least a portion of the intermediate layer, wherein at least a portion of the light-blocking layer is disposed in the groove.