Display Repair Structure Using Backup Light-Emitting Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the manufacturing process of display apparatuses, unavoidable defects such as abnormal bright spots often occur, necessitating a method to repair these defects to enhance the display quality.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus is designed with a substrate, conductive structures, pixel units, signal lines, and a repair structure, where a first light-emitting element is tested, and if it does not meet expectations, a second light-emitting element is configured, and the transmission line is disconnected from the second connection pad, allowing the repair structure to ensure a better display effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a first light-emitting element is tested and found defective, then the display apparatus can be repaired by connecting a second light-emitting element, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring both a first light-emitting element and a second light-emitting element in the display apparatus before actual use. The second light-emitting element is prepared in advance as a backup, and the switching mechanism is pre-established, allowing immediate replacement of defective elements without complex manufacturing processes later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing a switching mechanism that can change the electrical connection state between the transmission line and different light-emitting elements. By controlling the switching element, the system can dynamically change which light-emitting element is connected to the transmission line, enabling repair functionality without adding permanent complex structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a repair structure with switching mechanism is added to replace defective light-emitting elements, then display quality is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the second light-emitting element and its associated switching mechanism to serve multiple functions: it acts as a backup element that can replace the first light-emitting element when defective, and the switching mechanism can dynamically route signals to either the first or second light-emitting element. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated repair structures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses an intermediary switching element (such as a transistor) that mediates between the transmission line and the light-emitting elements. This intermediary component enables controlled connection and disconnection between the transmission line and different light-emitting elements, providing a simple and effective repair mechanism without requiring complex structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the transmission line is disconnected from the second connection pad after testing, then defective elements can be isolated, but the manufacturing process time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect isolationVSAvoidmanufacturing process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the switching mechanism and second light-emitting element during the manufacturing process, so that defect isolation can be achieved through simple switching operations rather than time-consuming manual disconnection procedures. The infrastructure is prepared in advance to enable rapid response to defects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11476301B2Display apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.10.18 AU OPTRONICS CORP
  • US11476301B2 patent drawing
  • US11476301B2 patent drawing
  • US11476301B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A display apparatus, including a substrate, a conductive structure, a pixel unit, a signal line, a transmission line, and a repair structure, is provided. The substrate has a first surface, a second surface, and a through hole. The conductive structure is disposed in the through hole. The pixel unit is disposed on the first surface. The pixel unit includes first, second, third, and fourth connection pads, a driving element, and a light-emitting element. The light-emitting element is electrically connected to the first and second connection pads. The signal line is disposed on the first surface. The driving element is electrically connected to the first and third connection pads through the signal line. The transmission line is disposed on the second surface and electrically connected to the second or fourth connection pad at least through the conductive structure. The repair structure is disposed between the transmission line and the conductive structure.