OLED Array Substrate Parallel Signal Lines for Brightness Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In OLED display devices, high resistance values in signal lines lead to non-uniform brightness across different regions due to varying signal reception by pixel circuits, affecting display uniformity.

Innovation Solution

The signal lines are parallel-connected with electrically conductive elements on the array substrate, reducing their resistance and minimizing voltage differences across the lines, thereby ensuring consistent signal delivery to pixel units.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If conventional signal lines are used in OLED display devices, then the device structure is simple, but the resistance values of signal lines are high causing non-uniform brightness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrightness uniformityVSAvoidsignal line structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The signal line is divided into multiple segments by introducing electrically conductive elements at different locations. These segments are connected in parallel through via holes, creating multiple current paths that reduce the overall resistance of the signal line and improve brightness uniformity across different display regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar signal line structure to a three-dimensional structure by adding via holes that connect signal lines across different layers. This vertical connection dimension allows parallel pathways that reduce resistance without significantly increasing the overall device footprint.

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

2Reliability

If resistance of signal lines is reduced by adding parallel conductive elements, then brightness uniformity improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal delivery consistencyVSAvoidfabrication process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The via holes serve multiple functions: they provide electrical connection between signal lines, act as structural support elements, and enable the parallel configuration that reduces resistance. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall manufacturing process by combining several requirements into a single feature.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The electrically conductive elements are integrated within the existing signal line structure, with via holes connecting nested layers. This nested arrangement allows the parallel conductive paths to be incorporated without requiring separate external structures, thereby managing manufacturing complexity.

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

This approach enhances display uniformity by minimizing differences in drive currents to organic light emitting units, resulting in improved brightness consistency across the display.

Implementation Method 1

due to high resistance values of the high level signal line and the low level signal line, pixel circuits in different regions may receive different signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

the electrically conductive elements 12 corresponding to the signal lines are provided on the other side of the base substrate 10 along its thickness direction; Each of the first connectors 11 passes through the first via to connect the signal lines in parallel with the electrically conductive elements 12

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3584840B1Array substrate and display apparatus
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • EP3584840B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3584840B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~2b
  • EP3584840B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

An array substrate and display apparatus, the array substrate comprising a base substrate (10) and signal lines (VDD, VSS) provided on the base substrate (10), wherein at least one electrically conductive element (12) corresponding to the signal lines (VDD, VSS) is further provided on the base substrate (10), the signal lines (VDD, VSS) are connected in parallel with corresponding electrically conductive elements (12), and the electrically conductive elements (12) corresponding to different signal lines (VDD, VSS) are insulated from one another. Thus, resistance of the signal lines (VDD, VSS) can be reduced and the display effect can be improved.