Display Device Light Transmission Structure Laser Electrode Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices face challenges in integrating optical electronic devices, such as cameras and sensors, without increasing the bezel size or compromising the display area, as these devices need to receive incident light, which often requires modifications like notches or holes in the display panel.

Innovation Solution

A display device design incorporating a light transmission structure with a first optical area and a normal area, featuring a spacer along the boundary of the transmission area and a second electrode opened using a sacrificial layer irradiated with a laser beam, allowing light to pass through while maintaining the display area's integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an optical electronic device is installed in the front portion of the display device, then light reception capability is improved, but the bezel size increases or the display area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight reception capabilityVSAvoiddisplay area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the optical electronic device from the front surface (2D plane) to the rear side of the display panel, utilizing the third dimension (depth/thickness) to resolve the conflict between light reception and display area. The light transmission structure enables optical paths through the display panel thickness without occupying front surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

A light transmission structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the display panel and the optical electronic device. This structure includes transmission areas with reduced electrode coverage and optimized layer configurations, allowing light to pass through to the optical device while maintaining display functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If a light transmission structure is designed with transmission areas, then light transmittance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to precise electrode patterning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmittanceVSAvoidelectrode structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode structures are designed with spatially varying properties: in transmission areas, electrodes have reduced coverage, increased transparency, or discontinuous patterns to maximize light transmission, while in non-transmission areas, electrodes maintain full coverage for normal display operation. This local differentiation optimizes both light transmission and electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is segmented into distinct functional zones: transmission areas with optimized light transmission properties and non-transmission areas with standard display properties. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each zone's characteristics without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Illumination intensity

If the second electrode is opened in the transmission area, then light transmission is improved, but residue from the opening process may reduce transmittance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight transmissionVSAvoidtransmission area cleanliness

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical opening methods (which generate residues) with laser beam irradiation to remove the sacrificial layer and open the second electrode. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and associated residues, achieving cleaner transmission areas with higher light transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of materials during the opening process. The sacrificial layer is designed to be removable by laser irradiation at specific wavelengths, transforming the removal process from a mechanical operation to a controlled thermal/optical process that leaves minimal residue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables effective light reception for optical electronic devices without reducing the display area's size, improving transmittance and preventing residue-related transmittance decreases during electrode formation, thus enhancing design flexibility and functionality.

Implementation Method 1

cutting a portion of a second electrode overlapping a first transmission area by irradiating a sacrificial layer with a laser beam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS20230200186A1Display device and manufacturing method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.06.22 LG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a display device that by including a spacer located outside of a first transmission area and located on a bank, enables a second electrode to be easily opened in the first transmission area using a sacrificial layer, and thereby, is capable of improving the transmittance of the first transmission area and preventing a decrease in the transmittance due to a residue remaining in the transmission area in the process of forming an opening of the second electrode, and a method of manufacturing the display device.