Display Apparatus Non-Flat Edge Static Electricity Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Organic light-emitting display apparatuses with non-rectangular shapes are vulnerable to static electricity due to structural differences between flat and non-flat edges, which can damage pixels and affect display quality.

Innovation Solution

The display apparatus incorporates a patterning structure for the third conductive layer, reducing the charge area and increasing the equipotential region by electrically connecting load matching parts through conductive films, thereby mitigating the impact of static electricity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display unit has a non-rectangular shape to meet different application requirements, then the adaptability and versatility of the display apparatus is improved, but the vulnerability to static electricity increases due to structural differences between flat and non-flat edges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay shape adaptabilityVSAvoidstatic electricity vulnerability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the equipotentiality principle by introducing a grounding structure that creates an equipotential region around the non-flat edge portions of the display unit. This grounding structure includes a conductive layer connected to ground potential, which equalizes the electric potential at the vulnerable non-flat edges, preventing static electricity accumulation and discharge that would otherwise damage the pixels in these regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Reliability

If the conductive layer is extended to cover the entire peripheral area including non-flat edges, then the protection against static electricity is improved, but the charge area increases leading to greater static electricity accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestatic electricity protectionVSAvoidconductive layer area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the grounding structure into discrete grounding electrodes positioned specifically at the non-flat edge portions rather than using a continuous conductive layer across the entire peripheral area. This segmented approach provides targeted protection where it is most needed while minimizing the total conductive area, thus reducing overall charge accumulation while maintaining effective static electricity protection at vulnerable locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution effectively reduces the risk of damage from static electricity, ensuring improved display quality by maintaining an equipotential region and minimizing charge accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

the first conductive layer and the third conductive layer are electrically connected to each other through a contact hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

increasing the equipotential region by electrically connecting load matching parts through conductive films, thereby mitigating the impact of static electricity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatics: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentEP3428968B1Display apparatus
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3428968B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3428968B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3428968B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a display apparatus having improved display quality by reducing defects due to static electricity. The display apparatus includes: a substrate including a display area and a peripheral area surrounding the display area, the display area including a main area and a first protruding area and a second protruding area extending from the main area and protruding toward the peripheral area in a first direction, the second protruding area being spaced apart from the first protruding area in a second direction that intersects the first direction, a groove portion is disposed between the first protruding area and the second protruding area; a display unit including a first light emitter and a second light emitter; a first load matching part electrically connected to the first light emitter; and a second load matching part electrically connected to the second light emitter.