Self-Assembled LED Electrode Layout for Misalignment Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display devices using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) face challenges in maintaining alignment and functionality when light-emitting elements are misaligned or shifted, affecting image display and requiring complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A display device design where light-emitting elements are self-assembled on a substrate with specific alignment directions, using a method involving electric fields and electrodes with concave and convex portions to ensure connection and stability, even when elements are misaligned, and a manufacturing method that transfers these elements to a display panel while maintaining alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If light-emitting elements are transferred to sub-pixels using conventional alignment methods, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex manufacturing processes required to maintain alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting elements are designed with self-aligning features including convex portions on the elements that fit into concave portions of the electrodes. This self-service mechanism allows the elements to automatically align with their target positions during transfer, eliminating the need for complex external alignment systems and reducing manufacturing process complexity while maintaining high alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structures (convex portions on light-emitting elements and corresponding concave portions on electrodes) that act as mediators between the light-emitting elements and the electrodes. These intermediary features facilitate precise alignment and stable electrical connection, simplifying the overall manufacturing process by providing a built-in alignment mechanism rather than requiring complex external positioning systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If light-emitting elements are transferred without self-assembling features, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability decreases due to misalignment issues affecting normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The light-emitting elements incorporate self-aligning convex portions that automatically engage with concave portions of the electrodes during the transfer process. This self-service feature ensures reliable alignment and stable electrical connection without requiring complex external alignment systems, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while significantly improving operational reliability by preventing misalignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the light-emitting elements with pre-formed convex portions and the electrodes with corresponding concave portions that act as beforehand cushioning features. These pre-designed alignment features ensure that even if minor misalignments occur during transfer, the convex-concave engagement provides a tolerance buffer that maintains reliable electrical connection and normal operation, thereby improving reliability without complicating the manufacturing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional electrode configurations are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability decreases when elements are misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric electrode configurations where the electrodes have concave portions specifically shaped to receive the convex portions of the light-emitting elements. This asymmetric design provides adaptability by creating a directional fit that guides the elements into correct alignment during transfer, while the concave features provide tolerance for minor misalignments. The asymmetric structure maintains ease of manufacture as it can be fabricated using standard photolithography and etching processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are designed with local quality variations, featuring concave portions at specific locations where light-emitting elements will be positioned. These localized concave features provide adaptability by creating targeted alignment zones that accommodate element placement, while the rest of the electrode structure maintains simple fabrication. This local modification approach enables misalignment tolerance without requiring complete redesign of the entire electrode system.
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 solution allows for normal operation and image display even with misaligned light-emitting elements, simplifying the manufacturing process by ensuring electrical connection and stability through the use of self-assembling techniques and specific electrode configurations.
Implementation Method 1
self-assembling a plurality of light-emitting elements includes forming an electric field by applying voltages to a plurality of assembling electrodes, and self-assembling the plurality of light-emitting elements on the plurality of assembling electrodes with the electric field
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a display device includes a substrate having pixels each including a plurality of sub-pixels; a plurality of light-emitting elements on the plurality of sub-pixels and each including one or more n-type electrodes and a p-type electrode; a first connection electrode on each of the plurality of light-emitting elements of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a concave portion that overlaps the one or more n-type electrodes; and a second connection electrode on each of the plurality of light-emitting elements of the plurality of sub-pixels and including a convex portion that overlaps the p-type electrode. The concave portion and the convex portion extend in a first direction in each of a first subset of the plurality of sub-pixels, and the concave portion and the convex portion extend in a second direction different from the first direction in each of a second subset of the plurality of sub-pixels.


