Organic EL Display Cathode Segmentation for Power Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional organic electroluminescent display devices face high power consumption due to the line resistance of cathodes, which limits the reduction of power consumption despite efforts to decrease it.
Innovation Solution
The organic electroluminescent display device features anode columns with first and second anodes arranged alternately, intersecting walls forming sub-pixels, and subsidiary walls with extension portions to reduce cathode resistance and enhance image quality by increasing the surface area of sub-cathodes and minimizing interference between pixels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the cathode line resistance is reduced to decrease power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but the cathode structure becomes more complex requiring additional subsidiary walls and extension portions
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode is divided into multiple segments with first and second cathodes formed in different regions. The first cathode is formed in a first region and the second cathode is formed in a second region, creating separate current paths that reduce overall line resistance and power consumption while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cathode structure extends into the third dimension by forming extension portions that protrude from the substrate surface. These extension portions increase the effective surface area of the cathode without expanding the planar footprint, thereby reducing line resistance and power consumption while adding a vertical dimension to the otherwise two-dimensional cathode layout.
2Reliability
If subsidiary walls with extension portions are added to increase cathode surface area, then electrical conductivity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portions of the cathode are formed simultaneously with the pixel electrode formation process. By integrating the cathode extension formation into the existing pixel electrode manufacturing sequence, the patent achieves preliminary action that improves electrical conductivity without requiring separate additional manufacturing steps, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The formation of the cathode extension portions is merged with the pixel electrode formation process. Both structures are created in the same manufacturing sequence using coordinated patterning and deposition steps, combining two functions into a single integrated manufacturing process that improves conductivity while simplifying production.
3Use of energy by moving object
If first and second cathodes are formed in different regions, then current flow is improved and power consumption decreases, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode is segmented into first and second cathodes positioned in different regions of the display device. This segmentation creates multiple independent current flow paths from the cathode to the pixel electrode, reducing overall resistance and power consumption while organizing the complexity into manageable regional segments rather than a monolithic structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cathode are optimized for different functions: the first cathode in the first region and the second cathode in the second region. This local quality approach allows each cathode segment to be tailored to its specific regional requirements, improving overall current flow efficiency while distributing structural complexity across different locations rather than concentrating it in one area.
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 configuration reduces power consumption and enhances image quality by facilitating easier current flow through the cathodes and minimizing interference between adjacent pixels, thereby decreasing overall power usage and improving display performance.
Implementation Method 1
organic electroluminescent (EL) display device
Data Source
AI summary
An organic electroluminescent (EL) display device is provided which can reduce a level of power consumption. The organic EL display device includes a plurality of anode columns formed on a substrate, each anode column having first and second anodes disposed adjacent to each other, with emitting areas of the first and second anodes being arranged alternately in a line; a plurality of walls intersecting the anode columns. A plurality of cathodes are formed between walls which intersect the anode columns to form two sub pixels. A plurality of secondary walls are formed between two adjacent walls, between the light emitting areas of the first and second anodes of each anode column. Each secondary wall may include a plurality of unit walls corresponding to one pixel with first, second and third sub pixels which emit different colored lights. Alternatively, each subsidiary wall may include a plurality of unit walls, with each unit wall corresponding to one of the first, second or third sub pixels.