Display Device Pixel Electrode Extension for Transmittance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face challenges in preventing damage to emission elements due to the limitations in optical transmittance and structural design, particularly when exposed to external inputs like light, which can lead to inefficiencies and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a unique structural arrangement with distinct regions of varying optical transmittance, featuring a metal layer between emission elements and a common electrode, where the first pixel electrode extends beyond the metal layer, and a connection line with an optically transmissive material, enhancing the optical transmittance of the first region while protecting the emission elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the metal layer is disposed between the base layer and the emission element to block external light, then the emission element is protected from damage, but the optical transmittance in the first region is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of emission elementVSAvoidoptical transmittance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating distinct regions with different optical transmittance characteristics. The first region (display region) has higher transmittance while the second region (sensor region) has lower transmittance due to the metal layer, allowing each region to optimize its function - the display region prioritizes light transmission while the sensor region prioritizes element protection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The display panel is segmented into multiple functional regions: a first region with the emission element for display purposes, a second region with the metal layer for sensor protection, and a third region for additional display elements. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both display performance and element protection in different areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Illumination intensity

If the first pixel electrode extends beyond the metal layer, then the optical transmittance is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical transmittanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first pixel electrode extends in the planar dimension beyond the metal layer boundary, creating an overlapping region. This dimensional extension allows the electrode to function both as a display element in the first region and as a protective element in the second region, reducing the need for additional protective structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4422377A1Display device
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4422377A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4422377A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4422377A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a display panel that has a first region, a second region adjacent to the first region, and a third region adjacent to the second region. The display panel includes a base layer, a first pixel including a first emission element in the first region and a first pixel circuit in the second region, a metal layer disposed between the base layer and the first emission element a second pixel in the second region, and a third pixel in the third region. The first emission element includes a first pixel electrode, a first emission layer on the first pixel electrode, and a common electrode on the first emission layer. The first pixel electrode extends beyond an edge of the metal layer.