Display Panel Pixel Definition Layer for Component-Area Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display panels struggle to display images in areas where electronic components are integrated, limiting the extension of the display area.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design that includes a component area with auxiliary subpixels and transmission areas, allowing image display alongside electronic components, using a combination of main and auxiliary subpixels with different resolutions and pixel circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the pixel definition layer has a small thickness to reduce the step difference, then the step difference between the pixel definition layer and the planarization layer is reduced, but the pixel definition layer cannot effectively define the pixel area and protect the organic light-emitting layer
Solution Approach 1:
The pixel definition layer is designed with a specific side surface angle (30-40 degrees) relative to the upper surface of the planarization layer, transforming a one-dimensional thickness problem into a two-dimensional geometric solution. This angular configuration allows the layer to maintain adequate thickness for effective pixel definition while controlling the step difference through directional orientation rather than simply reducing thickness.
2Manufacturing precision
If the pixel definition layer has a large thickness to effectively define the pixel area, then the pixel area definition is improved, but the step difference between the pixel definition layer and the planarization layer increases causing poor step coverage
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of controlling step difference through thickness alone, the invention introduces angular orientation as a controlling parameter. The side surface angle of 30-40 degrees creates a gradual transition that reduces step coverage issues while maintaining sufficient vertical thickness for effective pixel definition and protection of the organic light-emitting layer.
3Reliability
If the side surface angle of the pixel definition layer is small to reduce stress concentration, then the reliability is improved, but the step difference remains large causing manufacturing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the side surface angle parameter within a specific range (30-40 degrees) to balance stress concentration reduction with step difference control. This parameter optimization ensures that the pixel definition layer has adequate mechanical reliability while maintaining manufacturability through controlled step coverage in subsequent coating processes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In a display panel including a main display area, a component area including a transmission area, and a peripheral area outside the main display area, the display panel includes: a substrate; an inorganic insulating layer over the substrate and including a first hole corresponding to the transmission area; a planarization layer over the inorganic insulating layer; a pixel definition layer over the planarization layer and having a thickness of 1.3 µm to 2 µm; and a thin film encapsulation layer over the pixel definition layer, wherein an angle between a side surface of the pixel definition layer and an upper surface of the planarization layer is 30 degrees to 40 degrees.