Organic Light Emitting Display Bus Line and Black Matrix Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Organic light emitting display apparatuses face issues with IR drop and decreased contrast ratio due to the high resistance of top emission-type organic light emitting display apparatuses, which affects the uniformity of light emission and overall performance.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of an opposite electrode bus line using aerosol jet printing, covered by a black matrix, to reduce IR drop and maintain high contrast ratio, where the bus line is strategically placed between adjacent pixel electrodes and the black matrix is formed to minimize reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If a top emission-type organic light emitting display apparatus is used, then the aperture ratio is improved, but the device has high resistance causing an IR drop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaperture ratioVSAvoidIR drop
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The opposite electrode is segmented into two functional parts: a transparent electrode portion covering the pixel area for light emission, and a separate conductive bus line portion for current supply. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function - the transparent electrode maintains high aperture ratio while the bus line provides low resistance current path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A black matrix is introduced as an intermediary element that covers the bus line. This black matrix serves as a visual barrier to prevent light reflection from the conductive bus line, thereby maintaining high contrast ratio while allowing the bus line to perform its electrical function underneath.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a conductive bus line is added to prevent IR drop, then the resistance is reduced, but the contrast ratio is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIR dropVSAvoidcontrast ratio
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

A black matrix is introduced as an intermediary element that covers the bus line. This black matrix serves as a visual barrier to prevent light reflection from the conductive bus line, thereby maintaining high contrast ratio while allowing the bus line to perform its electrical function underneath.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The black matrix is selectively positioned only where needed - covering the bus line in non-pixel areas where it would otherwise cause reflection. This localized application maintains contrast ratio in critical viewing areas while preserving the electrical functionality of the bus line.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If the opposite electrode is made transparent, then light emission is improved, but the resistance increases causing IR drop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight emissionVSAvoidresistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The opposite electrode is segmented into two functional parts: a transparent electrode portion covering the pixel area for light emission, and a separate conductive bus line portion for current supply. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function - the transparent electrode maintains high aperture ratio while the bus line provides low resistance current path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The opposite electrode structure serves multiple functions through different portions: the transparent electrode portion provides both electrical function and light emission, while the bus line portion provides purely electrical function with optimized conductivity. This multi-functional design resolves the conflict between transparency and resistance.

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

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 effectively prevents IR drop and maintains a high contrast ratio by reducing the resistance of the opposite electrode and minimizing light reflection, enhancing the reliability and performance of the organic light emitting display apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

the opposite electrode bus line and the black matrix are formed by aerosol jet printing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerosol jet printing: Aerosol

Implementation Method 2

the black matrix covers side surfaces and an upper surface of the opposite electrode bus line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2284899B1Method of manufacturing an organic light emitting display apparatus
Publication Date: 2015.11.04 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • EP2284899B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2284899B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2284899B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An organic light emitting display apparatus capable of preventing or reducing an IR drop and a decrease in a contrast ratio, and a method of manufacturing the same. The organic light emitting display apparatus includes: a substrate; a plurality of thin film transistors on the substrate; a plurality of organic light emitting diodes, each of the organic light emitting diodes including: a pixel electrode electrically connected to a corresponding one of the thin film transistors, a portion of an opposite electrode, the opposite electrode being above the substrate and covering all of the substrate, and an intermediate layer between the pixel electrode and the opposite electrode and comprising at least an organic light emitting layer; an opposite electrode bus line between adjacent pixel electrodes of the organic light emitting diodes on the opposite electrode of the organic light emitting diodes; and a black matrix covering the opposite electrode bus line.