Display Panel Electrode-Separator Layout for Reliable Pixel Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display panels face challenges in improving contact reliability between the light-emitting elements and the circuit, which affects the overall performance and longevity of the display.
Innovation Solution
The display panel design includes a driving element layer with a pixel driver, a light-emitting element, a first electrode, an intermediate layer, a second electrode, a pixel-defining layer, a connection electrode, and a separator, where the lower surface of the second electrode is in contact with the upper surface of the connection electrode in a contact region, and the connection electrode is designed with specific configurations to enhance electrical connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the contact area between the second electrode and connection electrode is increased, then contact reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the contact interface from a simple planar surface to a three-dimensional structure by forming the connection electrode with side surfaces that contact the second electrode at multiple locations. This vertical/dimensional extension of the contact area increases reliability without requiring additional separate components, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact region is divided into multiple contact points or contact surfaces between the second electrode and connection electrode. By segmenting the contact interface into multiple discrete contact areas (including top surface contact and side surface contact), the overall contact reliability is enhanced while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure.
2Reliability
If the connection electrode is positioned closer to the light-emitting element, then electrical connectivity is improved, but the risk of element deterioration impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection electrode serves as an intermediary component between the light-emitting element (second electrode) and the pixel driver. By introducing this intermediate connection structure with extended side surfaces, electrical connectivity is improved while the separator and connection electrode structure act as a buffer that isolates the pixel driver from direct exposure to deterioration factors affecting the light-emitting element.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection electrode extends in the vertical dimension with side surfaces that contact the second electrode, creating a multi-level connection architecture. This dimensional extension allows for better electrical connectivity while spatially separating the sensitive pixel driver from the light-emitting element, reducing the impact of element deterioration.
3Manufacturing precision
If the separator structure is added to define pixel regions, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separator structure performs multiple functions: it defines pixel regions for manufacturing precision, provides mechanical support, and contributes to the connection electrode's contact structure. By making the separator multi-functional, manufacturing precision is improved without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the same structural element serves multiple purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The separator and connection electrode structures are merged or closely integrated in the device architecture. The separator that defines pixel regions is positioned adjacent to and integrated with the connection electrode, allowing the separator to serve dual purposes of region definition and structural support for the connection electrode, thereby improving manufacturing precision without significant complexity increase.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a display panel including a driving element layer having a pixel driver, a light-emitting element disposed on the driving element layer and having a first electrode, an intermediate layer disposed on the first electrode and having at least a light-emitting layer, and a second electrode disposed on the intermediate layer, a pixel-defining layer disposed on the driving element layer and having an opening exposing at least a portion of the first electrode, a connection electrode disposed on the pixel-defining layer and electrically connected to the pixel driver and the second electrode, and a separator disposed on the pixel-defining layer. In a contact region adjacent to the separator, a lower surface of the second electrode is in contact with an upper surface of the connection electrode.