Groove-Embedded Conductive Line for OLED Flatness
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Solution Overview
Problem
In organic light emitting diode (OLED) display devices, the presence of conductive lines can cause step differences leading to protrusions on pixel electrodes, resulting in visibility issues and color deviation when viewed from different angles.
Innovation Solution
A display device design featuring a first conductive line on a substrate with a contact hole and a recessed groove on an insulating layer, where a second conductive line with a 'U' or rectangular shape is placed within the groove, connected to the first conductive line, and covered by a second insulating layer, minimizing protrusions and enhancing visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conductive line is disposed under the organic light emitting diode, then signal transmission is enabled, but a step difference is caused leading to pixel electrode protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a groove structure that extends in the depth dimension (z-direction) to accommodate the conductive line, allowing the pixel electrode to maintain a flat top surface. This dimensional approach separates the signal transmission function (conductive line in groove) from the flat surface requirement (pixel electrode top), resolving the contradiction between reliability and shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive line is nested within the groove structure formed in the insulating layer. This nesting arrangement allows the conductive line to be positioned below the pixel electrode level while still providing electrical connection, thus maintaining signal transmission reliability without causing surface protrusion.
2Reliability
If the pixel electrode has a protrusion, then the conductive line connection is achieved, but visibility issues and color deviation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves the conductive line connection from the surface dimension to the depth dimension by creating a groove. This allows the pixel electrode to connect to the conductive line through the groove without creating a surface protrusion, thereby eliminating visibility issues and color deviation while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The groove acts as an intermediary structure that mediates between the pixel electrode and the conductive line. It provides a pathway for electrical connection while preventing the conductive line from protruding to the surface, thus resolving the conflict between connection reliability and visual quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A display device is provided including a first conductive line disposed on a substrate. A first insulating layer is disposed on the substrate at least partially covering the first conductive line. The first insulating layer has a contact hole, which exposes the first conductive line, and a groove recessed in a direction towards the substrate. The groove has a depth smaller than a depth of the contact hole. A second conductive line is disposed in the groove on the first insulating layer and is connected to the first conductive line through the contact hole.