Display Panel Pad Structure for DEP-Aligned Micro LED Contact

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inorganic light emitting diodes face limitations in manufacturing processes, particularly with the dielectrophoresis (DEP) technique, which affects their durability and efficiency compared to organic light emitting diodes.

Innovation Solution

A display panel design incorporating nano- or micro-scale light emitting elements with a conductive pad structure that includes alignment and contact electrodes made of the same material as the light emitting elements, with a specific layer configuration and electrical connections to enhance durability and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dielectrophoresis (DEP) technique is used for manufacturing inorganic light emitting diodes, then the manufacturing process can be implemented, but the durability and efficiency are reduced compared to organic light emitting diodes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process limitation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies homogeneity by using the same material for both the alignment electrode and contact electrode in the pad structure. This material consistency ensures uniform electrical properties and chemical composition throughout the conductive path, reducing interface resistance and improving overall device reliability and durability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material structures in the pad design, combining multiple conductive layers with different materials (such as transparent conductive oxides and metal layers) to create a multi-functional pad structure that simultaneously provides alignment, electrical connection, and enhanced durability for inorganic LED elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If dielectrophoresis (DEP) technique is used for manufacturing inorganic light emitting diodes, then the manufacturing process can be implemented, but the efficiency is reduced compared to organic light emitting diodes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveefficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process limitation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the pad structure with aligned conductive layers and proper material selection before the LED attachment process. The alignment electrode and contact electrode are prepared in advance with correct positioning and material properties, enabling efficient DEP transfer and reducing manufacturing complexity while improving device efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the material composition, layer thickness, and electrical properties of the pad structure. By adjusting these parameters, the pad achieves optimal electrical conductivity and mechanical properties that enhance the overall efficiency of inorganic LED devices while maintaining compatibility with DEP manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12094920B2Display panel and display device including the same
Publication Date: 2024.09.17 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US12094920B2 patent drawing
  • US12094920B2 patent drawing
  • US12094920B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display panel includes a base layer having a display area and a non-display area including a pad area; a plurality of transistors on the base layer; a first protective layer covering the plurality of transistors; a conductive layer on the first protective layer; a second protective layer over the conductive layer; a first electrode and a second electrode on the second protective layer, the first and second electrodes being spaced from each other; a plurality of light emitting elements between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first contact electrode on the first electrode, the first contact electrode being in contact with one end portion of the light emitting element, and a second contact electrode on the second electrode, the second contact electrode being in contact with the other end portion of the at least one light emitting element; and a first pad in the pad area.