Series-Connected Micro-LED Pixel Layout to Reduce Display Malfunctions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices face issues with pixel malfunctions, leading to increased repair needs and reduced process efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The display device incorporates a pixel circuit layer with a light-emitting element layer, featuring first and second light-emitting elements connected in series through separate anode electrodes, and a connection electrode that bypasses the second light-emitting elements, ensuring electrical separation and reducing the likelihood of malfunction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If light-emitting elements are connected in parallel through common anode electrodes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to increased likelihood of pixel malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidpixel malfunction risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the anode electrode structure into separate first anode electrode and second anode electrode, which are electrically isolated from each other. This segmentation allows independent electrical paths for first light-emitting elements and second light-emitting elements, preventing malfunction propagation while maintaining structural organization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a connection electrode as an intermediary element that electrically connects the first anode electrode and second anode electrode through an insulating layer. This intermediary structure enables controlled electrical connection while maintaining physical separation and preventing direct interference between the two anode electrodes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If connection electrodes overlap with light-emitting elements, then the electrical connection is simplified, but the manufacturing precision is reduced due to alignment difficulties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connection simplicityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the alignment issue by moving the connection electrode to a different vertical dimension - placing it in the insulating layer above the light-emitting elements rather than requiring overlap in the same plane. This dimensional separation eliminates alignment conflicts while maintaining electrical connectivity through vertical pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating layer serves as an intermediary medium that enables the connection electrode to pass through without directly contacting the light-emitting elements. This intermediary layer simplifies the electrical connection structure while eliminating the need for precise lateral alignment between connection electrodes and light-emitting elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20250221120A1Display device and method of manufacturing display device
Publication Date: 2025.07.03 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US20250221120A1 patent drawing
  • US20250221120A1 patent drawing
  • US20250221120A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A display device includes a pixel circuit layer including a pixel circuit above a base layer, and a light-emitting element layer above the pixel circuit layer, and including a light-emitting part including a first anode electrode, a first connection electrode, a second anode electrode, first light-emitting elements above the first anode electrode, and second light-emitting elements above the second anode electrode, wherein the first light-emitting elements and the second light-emitting elements include a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, an active layer between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a first end to which the first semiconductor layer is adjacent, and a second end to which the second semiconductor layer is adjacent, and wherein the first connection electrode electrically connects the first end of the first light-emitting elements and the second anode electrode such that the first and second light-emitting elements are electrically connected in series.