Display Panel Signal Line Integration via Depth-Varying Insulating Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display panels face challenges in design integration and manufacturing efficiency due to the increased number of transistors and signal lines required for precise control of light-emitting elements, which complicates the design and production process.
Innovation Solution
The display panel incorporates a base layer, insulating layers with specific openings, signal lines, and an organic layer to enhance integration and efficiency, featuring a layered structure with varying depth openings in the insulating layers to accommodate signal lines and improve manufacturing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of transistors and signal lines is increased to accurately control light-emitting elements, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display panel is divided into a pixel area and a boundary area, with different structural configurations in each region. The pixel circuit is disposed in the pixel area while signal lines extend into the boundary area, allowing complex control functions to be achieved through spatial segmentation rather than increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical layering with multiple insulating layers (first insulating layer, second insulating layer) to organize signal lines at different heights. The opening structure penetrates through multiple layers to expose the barrier layer, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that reduces planar complexity while maintaining control precision
2Measurement precision
If more transistors and signal lines are added for precise control, then control accuracy is improved, but manufacturing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple signal lines are merged into a unified structure that extends through the boundary area. The first and second signal lines are disposed on different insulating layers but follow the same spatial path, allowing simultaneous formation and reducing the number of separate manufacturing steps required
Solution Approach 2:
The boundary area serves multiple functions: it provides a region for signal line extension, accommodates the opening structure for barrier layer exposure, and facilitates electrical connections between pixel circuits and external contacts. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated structures
3Productivity
If a unified signal line structure is implemented across adjacent pixel areas, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but design integration becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The signal lines extend beyond what is minimally required for pixel control into the boundary area. This excessive extension into the boundary region simplifies manufacturing by providing a unified structure across pixel boundaries, while the added spatial complexity is confined to a dedicated boundary zone rather than affecting the entire device
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a base layer including a boundary area and a pixel area, a pixel circuit that overlaps the pixel area, a plurality of insulating layers which includes at least a first insulating layer and in which an opening overlapping the boundary area is defined, a first signal line that is disposed on the first insulating layer and that overlaps the boundary area and the pixel area, an organic layer including a first portion that fills the opening, and a light-emitting element disposed over the plurality of insulating layers and electrically connected to the pixel circuit. The opening includes a first area that overlaps the first signal line and has a first depth and a second area having a second depth greater than the first depth.