Display Pixel Electrode Segmentation for Defective LED Repair

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices struggle to operate defective pixels as normal pixels, leading to reduced display quality and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a subminiature light emitting element with a specific electrode configuration, including first and second contact electrodes with integrated connection patterns, allowing for the repair of defective pixels by disconnecting defective light emitting elements while maintaining operation of other elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If a light emitting element is defective, then the pixel cannot function normally, but the entire pixel must be replaced or the device complexity increases to enable repair

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefective pixel repairabilityVSAvoidelectrode connection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode connection structure is segmented into multiple independent connection patterns (first connection pattern and second connection pattern) that can be independently controlled. Each connection pattern connects to different sets of light emitting elements, allowing selective disconnection of defective elements while maintaining connections to functional elements through alternative paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection structure provides different connection configurations for different regions. The first connection pattern and second connection pattern create localized alternative pathways, allowing the system to maintain local functionality even when specific light emitting elements fail, rather than requiring global reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If defective light emitting elements are left connected, then circuit shorting occurs, but if disconnected, then non-emission areas increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation stabilityVSAvoidnon-emission area
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure enables dynamic reconfiguration of electrical pathways. Through the dual connection pattern design, the system can adaptively route current around defective elements, maintaining reliable operation while minimizing the impact on display area. The alternative pathways allow the system to dynamically respond to element failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If subminiature light emitting elements are used, then display resolution improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelement size controlVSAvoidfabrication difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is designed with preliminary alternative pathways built in before any defects occur. The first and second connection patterns are pre-configured to provide redundant routing options, allowing the system to accommodate manufacturing variations and defects without requiring post-fabrication precision adjustments or complex repair procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3905331B1Display device and repair method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3905331B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3905331B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3905331B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A display device may include: a base layer including a display area and a non-display area; and a plurality of pixels provided in the display area, and each comprising a plurality of sub-pixels each including an emission area configured to emit light and a peripheral area provided around the emission area. The sub-pixels may include: at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode extending in one direction and spaced apart from each other; and a plurality of light emitting elements disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to emit light. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode may include at least two first electrode patterns spaced apart from each other, and the first electrode patterns may be coupled by at least one first connection pattern disposed in the emission area.