OLED Array Substrate Light Shielding for TFT Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Light emitted from the OLED light emitting device in OLED display devices irradiates and deteriorates the active layer of the thin film transistor (TFT), leading to device degradation.

Innovation Solution

An array substrate with a light shielding portion is introduced between the TFT and the OLED light emitting device, which effectively shields light emitted from the OLED light emitting device, preventing it from reaching the TFT's active layer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a light shielding portion is added between the TFT and OLED light emitting device, then the reliability of the TFT is improved by preventing light-induced deterioration, but the device complexity increases due to additional structural components

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveTFT reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The light shielding portion is designed to serve multiple functions: it shields light from reaching the TFT active layer, provides electrical connection between the OLED electrode and TFT, and acts as an electrode structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the light shielding function with the electrical connection function by integrating the light shielding portion into the electrode structure. The light shielding portion is formed as part of the same conductive layer that serves as an electrode, combining what would traditionally be separate components into a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the light shielding portion is designed with multiple portions (first, second, third portions), then the shielding effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight shielding effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light shielding portion is divided into multiple segments (first portion, second portion, third portion) with different functions: the first portion provides light shielding, the second portion provides electrical connection, and the third portion extends to ensure complete coverage. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall shielding effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multiple portions of the light shielding portion are nested within the same structural framework and formed from the same conductive material layer. The portions are spatially arranged and connected in a nested configuration where the second portion connects to the first, and the third portion extends from the second, creating a hierarchical structure that simplifies manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 light shielding portion effectively prevents light-induced deterioration of the TFT, thereby enhancing the longevity and performance of the OLED display device.

Implementation Method 1

a light shielding portion located between the thin film transistor and the light emitting device for shielding a light from the light emitting device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS11825694B2Array substrate comprising light shielding portion and method for manufacturing the same
Publication Date: 2023.11.21 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US11825694B2 patent drawing
  • US11825694B2 patent drawing
  • US11825694B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an array substrate and a method for manufacturing the same. The array substrate includes a substrate, a thin film transistor located on the substrate, a light emitting device located on the substrate and spaced apart from the thin film transistor in a direction parallel to a surface of the substrate, and a light shielding portion located between the thin film transistor and the light emitting device for shielding a light from the light emitting device. The light shielding portion surrounds the light emitting layer.