Light-Emitting Element Ink for Uniform Display Pixel Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display technologies face challenges in achieving uniform dispersibility and alignment of light-emitting elements, leading to poor luminance in sub-pixels due to elements sticking together during the printing process.

Innovation Solution

An ink formulation with specific solvent properties, including Hansen solubility parameters and functional groups, is used to disperse light-emitting elements, ensuring they do not stick together and align uniformly on electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional solvents are used to disperse light-emitting elements, then the printing process can be performed, but the light-emitting elements stick together leading to poor alignment and non-uniform luminance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precision of light-emitting elementsVSAvoiddispersibility of light-emitting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting solvents with specific Hansen solubility parameters (δD, δP, δH) within defined ranges. This changes the physical-chemical parameters of the dispersion medium to optimize both the dispersibility of light-emitting elements during printing and their stability after deposition, preventing aggregation while ensuring uniform luminance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material approach by formulating ink compositions containing multiple components including dispersants, solvents with specific properties, and light-emitting elements. This composite formulation achieves synergistic effects where the dispersant and solvent work together to maintain element separation during printing while ensuring proper adhesion and uniformity after deposition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of manufacture

If light-emitting elements are dispersed in the ink, then they can be printed onto sub-pixels, but they aggregate during the printing process causing poor alignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting processabilityVSAvoidalignment precision of light-emitting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the viscosity parameter of the ink within a specific range (20-200 cP at room temperature) to balance printability and alignment precision. This parameter optimization ensures the ink flows properly during printing while preventing light-emitting elements from aggregating, thereby achieving both ease of manufacture and high alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dispersants as intermediary substances that mediate between the light-emitting elements and the solvent. These dispersants adsorb onto the surface of light-emitting elements, providing steric or electrostatic repulsion that prevents aggregation during printing while allowing uniform distribution and precise alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the dispersibility of light-emitting elements is improved, then uniform luminance can be achieved, but the complexity of ink formulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of luminance in sub-pixelsVSAvoidcomplexity of ink formulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the formulation complexity by focusing on optimizing key parameters of commercially available solvents and dispersants rather than synthesizing novel compounds. By selecting solvents with specific Hansen solubility parameters and controlling viscosity within defined ranges, the patent achieves uniform luminance while maintaining formulation simplicity and ease of manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solvent-based ink improves the dispersibility and alignment of light-emitting elements, resulting in uniform luminance across sub-pixels and enhancing the performance of display devices.

Implementation Method 1

a solvent capable of dispersing light-emitting elements so that the dispersibility of the light-emitting elements can be improved

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolvation: Solvation

Implementation Method 2

generating an electric field over the target substrate to dispose the plurality of light-emitting elements on the first electrode and the second electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentEP3971249B1Ink containing light-emitting elements and method of fabricating display device using the same
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3971249B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3971249B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3971249B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ink includes a solvent, and light-emitting elements dispersed in the solvent, each of the light-emitting elements comprising semiconductor layers and an insulating film partially surrounding outer surfaces of the semiconductor layers, wherein the solvent has Hansen solubility parameters of a polarity parameter between about 4 and about 9 and a hydrogen bonding parameter between about 6 and about 11.