Multi-Layer Electrode Layout for Thin Display Pixel Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display apparatuses face challenges in improving display quality as they become thinner and lighter, requiring innovative designs to enhance their functionality and versatility.

Innovation Solution

A display apparatus with a specific electrode configuration, including a first and second electrode spaced apart, a third electrode overlapping the first and second, a fourth electrode overlapping the third, and a fifth electrode connected to the third, along with a thin-film transistor and capacitors to manage voltage levels and pixel circuits for improved display performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If display apparatuses become thinner and lighter, then portability and versatility are improved, but display quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoiddisplay quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a multi-layer electrode structure with five distinct electrodes (first through fifth electrodes) arranged in vertical layers. This dimensional expansion from single-layer to multi-layer architecture enables enhanced display quality through improved voltage control and pixel circuit efficiency without increasing the horizontal footprint or weight of the display apparatus.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nested electrode configurations where the third electrode overlaps both the first and second electrodes, and the fourth electrode overlaps the third electrode. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional layers to be integrated within a compact vertical space, achieving superior display performance while maintaining a thin and light overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If display quality is improved through enhanced electrode configuration, then device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay qualityVSAvoidelectrode configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the multi-layer electrode structure to serve multiple functions simultaneously: the third electrode functions as both a signal line and a plate electrode for capacitors, the fourth electrode serves as both a signal line and capacitor plate, and overlapping regions create capacitor structures. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while achieving improved display quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of signal transmission and capacitance storage into the same electrode structures. The third and fourth electrodes serve dual purposes as both signal lines and capacitor plates, combining what would traditionally be separate components into unified structures, thus improving display quality without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4686362A1Display device
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP4686362A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4686362A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4686362A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention is a display device comprising: a first electrode and a second electrode arranged to be spaced apart from each other; a third electrode, which is arranged on the first electrode and overlaps the first electrode and the second electrode; a fourth electrode, which is arranged on the third electrode and overlaps the third electrode; and a fifth electrode, which is arranged on the fourth electrode, overlaps the fourth electrode and is electrically connected to the third electrode.