Display Contact Electrodes Using Conductive Polymer Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display devices face challenges in efficiently integrating light emitting elements with conductive electrodes, particularly in reducing the number of fabrication processes while maintaining effective electrical coupling and light transmission.

Innovation Solution

The use of a conductive polymer, such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), is applied to form contact electrodes with silver particles dispersed in a polymer matrix, which are strategically positioned between light emitting elements and electrodes, reducing the number of fabrication steps by integrating anchoring and electrical coupling in a single process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional separate processes are used for anchoring light emitting elements and forming contact electrodes, then reliable electrical coupling is achieved, but the number of fabrication processes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefabrication efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of fabrication processes
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the anchoring of light emitting elements and the formation of contact electrodes into a single integrated process. The conductive polymer is applied to both anchor the light emitting elements between electrodes and form the contact electrodes simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate anchoring and electrode formation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive polymer serves multiple functions: it acts as an anchoring material to secure light emitting elements, forms conductive contact electrodes for electrical coupling, and provides a pathway for electrical signals. This multi-functional material replaces what would traditionally require multiple different materials and processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conductive polymer with silver particles is used for contact electrodes, then electrical conductivity is improved, but material complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical conductivityVSAvoidmaterial composition
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The contact electrodes are formed using a composite material consisting of conductive polymer combined with silver particles. This composite structure leverages the flexibility and adhesion properties of the polymer along with the high electrical conductivity of silver particles, achieving superior electrical conductivity compared to pure polymer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the electrical conductivity parameter of the contact electrode material by incorporating silver particles into the conductive polymer matrix. This changes the material's electrical properties from moderate to high conductivity, making it suitable for effective electrical coupling while maintaining the benefits of polymer-based materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances the efficiency of the display device fabrication by reducing the number of processes, improving electrical conductivity, and maintaining high light transmittance, thus addressing the integration challenges of light emitting elements with conductive electrodes.

Implementation Method 1

The conductive polymer of each of the contact electrodes forms a polymer matrix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolymer matrix formation:

Implementation Method 2

silver (Ag) particles are dispersed in the polymer matrix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParticle dispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Data Source

PatentEP3893276B1Display device and method of fabricating the same
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3893276B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3893276B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3893276B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The display device includes a substrate, a first electrode on the substrate, a second electrode on the substrate and spaced apart from the first electrode, a plurality of light emitting elements, at least a portion of each of which is between the first electrode and the second electrode, and contact electrodes on the first electrode, the second electrode and the light emitting elements, the contact electrodes including a conductive polymer, wherein the contact electrodes include a first contact electrode which contacts an end portion of a first portion of the light emitting elements and the first electrode and a second contact electrode which contacts an end portion of a second portion of the light emitting elements, and the second electrode and is spaced apart from the first contact electrode.