Metal Nitride Conductive Pattern for Organic Layer Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In display devices, the direct contact between wiring lines and organic layers can lead to reactions, resulting in the formation of oxides or composite materials that are difficult to remove, affecting the integrity and performance of the display elements.

Innovation Solution

A display device design featuring a substrate with a display area and non-display area, including transistors, insulating layers, and conductive patterns with a metal nitride layer to prevent inter diffusion and reaction between the conductive layers and organic materials, ensuring the integrity of the display elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If wiring lines directly contact the organic layer, then the formation process is simplified, but unwanted oxides or composite materials are formed at the interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveformation process simplicityVSAvoidinterface material purity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A barrier layer is introduced as an intermediary between the wiring line and the organic layer. This barrier layer prevents direct contact and chemical reactions between the two materials, thereby preventing the formation of unwanted oxides or composite materials at the interface while maintaining the simplified formation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If a barrier layer is added between wiring lines and organic layer, then material integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface material purityVSAvoidlayer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The interface between the wiring line and organic layer is segmented by introducing a barrier layer. This segmentation separates the two materials physically, preventing unwanted chemical reactions while maintaining material integrity. The barrier layer acts as a distinct segment that isolates the wiring line from the organic layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If wiring lines react with organic layer, then manufacturing steps are reduced, but display element performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing step reductionVSAvoiddisplay element performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier layer serves as a protective intermediary that prevents harmful chemical reactions between the wiring line and organic layer. By blocking direct contact, it preserves the performance and reliability of display elements while allowing the manufacturing process to remain efficient with minimal additional steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 use of metal nitride layers in the conductive patterns prevents the formation of unwanted oxides or composite materials, enhancing the reliability and performance of the display device by maintaining the integrity of the organic layers and improving manufacturing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a second conductive layer provided between the second insulating layer and the first conductive layer, wherein the second conductive layer includes a metal nitride

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion barrier: Diffusion Barrier

Data Source

PatentEP3343617B1Conductive pattern and display device having the same
Publication Date: 2024.03.06 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP3343617B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3343617B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3343617B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A conductive pattern includes an organic insulating layer, a first conductive layer provided on the insulating layer and including at least a first sub-conductive layer, and an additional conductive layer provided between the insulating layer and the first conductive layer, or on the first conductive layer, wherein the additional conductive layer includes a metal nitride.