Dummy Electrode Layout for Pixel Leakage Current Redirection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional display devices experience image quality degradation due to leakage current between neighboring pixels, leading to color mixing phenomena.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of a dummy electrode between the substrate and trenches, with a voltage difference from neighboring electrodes, to redirect and reduce leakage current, thereby improving image quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dummy electrode is added between neighboring pixels to reduce leakage current, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A dummy electrode is introduced as an intermediary element between neighboring pixels to intercept and redirect leakage current. The dummy electrode acts as a mediator that collects stray charges before they can cause color mixing between adjacent pixels, thereby improving image quality without requiring fundamental changes to the display architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful leakage current is extracted and redirected to the dummy electrode. By providing a dedicated path for leakage current through the dummy electrode connected to ground or reference potential, the harmful effect of charge leakage is removed from the pixel regions, preventing color mixing while maintaining the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If voltage is applied to the dummy electrode to redirect leakage current, then leakage current is reduced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage current reductionVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dummy electrode is connected to different voltage potentials (ground, first driving voltage, or initialization voltage) to change the electrical parameters of the system. By adjusting the voltage applied to the dummy electrode, the leakage current is redirected along controlled paths, reducing harmful current while managing energy consumption through selective voltage application

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The leakage current, which is originally a harmful effect causing color mixing, is converted into a beneficial controlled current path. By applying voltage to the dummy electrode, the leakage current is redirected to serve as a controlled discharge path, eliminating its harmful effects while requiring minimal additional energy compared to maintaining pixel operation

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

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

The dummy electrode effectively redirects leakage current, enhancing image quality by minimizing color mixing and improving overall display performance.

Implementation Method 1

a dummy electrode disposed between the substrate and the trench, and between the plurality of first electrodes, wherein a voltage applied to the dummy electrode and a voltage applied to the plurality of first electrodes are different

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4709114A1Display device including a dummy electrode, optical device and electronical device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4709114A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4709114A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4709114A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A display device includes a substrate, first electrodes disposed on the substrate, a pixel defining layer disposed on the first electrodes and having a trench, a light emitting stack disposed on the first electrode and the pixel defining layer, and a dummy electrode disposed between the substrate and the trench, and between the first electrodes, wherein a voltage applied to the dummy electrode and a voltage applied to the first electrodes are different.