OLED Cathode Connection Electrode Layout for Stable Power Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of manufacturing organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays increases with higher resolution and size, leading to reliability issues due to defects like cracks that allow oxygen and moisture penetration, degrading the display's lifespan and requiring methods to simplify the process and enhance yield.
Innovation Solution
A display device structure where the cathode electrode of a light-emitting element is in contact with a power line through a connection electrode formed in a source-drain layer, with a reverse-tapered shape and multiple metal layers, and a method using inkjet equipment for manufacturing, reducing the complexity and improving the connection's reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If multiple organic material layers are formed over the entire area of the display panel, then the display device achieves high quality characteristics such as low power consumption and high luminance, but defects like cracks can form penetration paths for oxygen and moisture, degrading the display's lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the organic material layers into separate regions: a first organic material layer formed only in the pixel area and a second organic material layer formed in both pixel and non-pixel areas. This segmentation prevents cracks in the non-pixel area from creating continuous penetration paths through the entire display, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the low power consumption benefits of organic light-emitting elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If the display device increases in resolution and size with densely arranged pixels, then the display quality improves, but the manufacturing process complexity increases and yield decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different structural configurations to different areas of the display panel. The first organic material layer is configured differently from the second organic material layer, with each serving specific functional requirements of their respective areas. This local differentiation simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing standardized production techniques while achieving high resolution through precise local structuring rather than complex global processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the cathode electrode is directly connected to the power line, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the connection reliability is insufficient due to potential defects and high resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connection electrode as an intermediary component between the cathode electrode and the power line. This connection electrode, formed in the source-drain layer with a reverse-tapered shape and multiple metal layers, provides a robust electrical connection that reduces resistance and enhances reliability while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integration into the existing source-drain layer structure.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a display device and a method of manufacturing the same, the display device including: a substrate including a pixel area and a non-pixel area adjacent to the pixel area; a power line formed on the substrate; at least one insulation layer covering the power line; a connection electrode formed on the at least one insulation layer, and connected to the power line through a contact hole; an overcoat layer placed above the connection electrode in the pixel area; and a first electrode placed above the overcoat layer, wherein the connection electrode has at least an area formed in the non-pixel area, and the first electrode extends to the non-pixel area and is connected to the connection electrode.