Refractive Layer Layout for Higher-Luminance Display Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Display devices face reduced emission efficiency and increased power consumption due to decreased light emission from light emitting elements, leading to deteriorated luminance.

Innovation Solution

A display device design incorporating a base layer with a pixel circuit layer, first and second electrodes, a light emitting element, and refractive layers with different indices to enhance light emission efficiency, including a first refraction layer surrounding the light emitting element and a second refraction layer with a higher refractive index to change the optical path of emitted light.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If light emitting elements are used in display devices, then light emission and luminance are achieved, but emission efficiency is reduced and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveluminanceVSAvoidemission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the refractive index parameter by introducing multiple refraction layers with different refractive indices (first refraction layer with refractive index n1, second refraction layer with refractive index n2 where n2 > n1). This parameter change optimizes light extraction efficiency by controlling the optical path and reducing total internal reflection at interfaces, thereby improving emission efficiency while maintaining luminance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite structure consisting of multiple refraction layers with different material properties (different refractive indices). The first refraction layer and second refraction layer form a composite optical system that works together to enhance light extraction. This composite approach allows optimization of light emission by combining materials with complementary optical characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Illumination intensity

If light emitting elements are used in display devices, then light emission is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight emissionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By optimizing the refractive index parameter through multiple refraction layers, the patent improves light extraction efficiency. This means more light is extracted from the light emitting elements per unit of energy consumed, effectively reducing power consumption for a given luminance level. The refractive index gradient (n1 < n2) is specifically designed to minimize energy loss through total internal reflection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of total internal reflection (which causes energy loss) into a beneficial effect by using the refraction layers to control and redirect light paths. The interfaces between layers with different refractive indices are designed to refract light at optimal angles, turning what would be reflected-and-lost light into extracted-and-useful light, thereby reducing power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Loss of energy

If refraction layers with different refractive indices are introduced, then light extraction efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight extraction efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical path into multiple distinct refraction layers, each with a specific refractive index. The first refraction layer and second refraction layer are separated into distinct structural units, allowing independent optimization of each layer's thickness and material composition. This segmentation enables precise control over light extraction at each interface while maintaining manufacturability through standardized layer deposition processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Improves light extraction efficiency by refracting or totally reflecting light, thereby enhancing the display panel's luminance and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a first refraction layer disposed on the pixel circuit layer and having a first refractive index; and a second refraction layer disposed on the light emitting element and having a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

improves light extraction efficiency by refracting or totally reflecting light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTotal internal reflection: Total Internal Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11855123B2Display device

Publication Date: 2023.12.26 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD

AI summary

A display device including a base layer, a pixel circuit layer disposed on the base layer and including a pixel circuit and a plurality of insulation layers, a first electrode electrically connected to the pixel circuit, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, a light emitting element electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, a first refraction layer disposed on the pixel circuit layer and having a first refractive index, and a second refraction layer disposed on the light emitting element and having a second refractive index larger than the first refractive index.