Micro LED Display Panel Traces Reinforced at Planarization Holes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro LED display panels with transparent conductive traces, such as indium tin oxide, are prone to fracture at positions of holes defined in the planarization layer, which compromises their conductivity and reliability.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating reinforcing portions made of metal materials like copper or silver at the bent portions of the trace, which are attached to the trace portions over the holes, or filling the holes with conductive paste to ensure electrical connection and prevent fracture, thereby maintaining conductivity even if the trace fractures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If transparent conductive traces are used to connect LEDs through holes in the planarization layer, then light transmission is enabled, but the traces are prone to fracture at the hole positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite structure combining transparent conductive material (such as ITO) with metal reinforcing portions (such as copper or aluminum). The transparent conductive material enables light transmission while the metal portions provide mechanical strength to prevent fracture at the hole positions where the trace bends to connect through the planarization layer.
2Reliability
If the trace bends to connect through holes in the planarization layer, then electrical connection to LEDs is achieved, but the trace becomes vulnerable to fracture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local reinforcement by adding metal portions specifically at the bent portions of the trace where it connects through the holes in the planarization layer. This local quality enhancement provides mechanical strength exactly where needed without affecting the overall transparency and conductivity of the trace in other regions.
3Reliability
If reinforcing portions are added to the trace, then fracture resistance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transparent conductive material and metal reinforcing portions into a single integrated conductive layer. This combination achieves both light transmission and mechanical strength without requiring separate structures, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining fracture resistance.
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel includes a substrate, a plurality of LEDs, a planarization layer, and a patterned first conductive layer. The plurality of LEDs are on the substrate, each of the plurality of LEDs includes a first electrode facing a front side of the display panel. The planarization layer covers the plurality of LEDs. The first conductive layer is on the planarization layer. The planarization layer defines a plurality of holes, the electrode is exposed by a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes, and the first conductive layer electrical connects to the first electrode through the corresponding hole. The first conductive layer further comprises a trace portion and a plurality of reinforcing portions, each of the plurality of reinforcing portions is aligned with the corresponding hole and is attached to the trace portion. Methods of fabricating the display panel are further disclosed.