OLED Cathode Segmentation for Touch Control Field Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display panels can only implement touch control structures using the on-cell method, where the touch control layers are attached to the upmost cathode layer of an OLED, limiting the penetration of electric field lines and restricting the placement of touch control layers.
Innovation Solution
A display panel design featuring a substrate with a cathode layer having a first gap and a touch control layer with touch control components, including driving and inductive electrodes, where the second gap between these components allows electric field lines to pass through, enabling touch control units without being shielded by the cathode layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the touch control layer is disposed over the cathode layer (on-cell method), then the touch control structure can be implemented, but the electric field lines are shielded by the cathode layer and cannot penetrate the structure under the cathode
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode layer is segmented into multiple regions: a first cathode region that overlaps with the touch control layer, and a second cathode region that does not overlap with the touch control layer. This segmentation allows the electric field lines to pass through the first cathode region while maintaining the cathode's overall functionality, thereby resolving the electric field shielding problem while preserving touch control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the cathode layer are assigned different functions: the first cathode region is optimized for touch control signal transmission (allowing electric field penetration), while the second cathode region maintains standard cathode properties. This local differentiation enables the system to achieve both touch control functionality and reduced electric field shielding effects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the touch control layer is disposed beneath the cathode layer, then electric field lines can pass through, but the cathode layer structure must be modified with gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode layer is divided into functionally distinct regions rather than requiring physical gaps or openings. The first cathode region is positioned to allow electric field penetration for touch control, while the second cathode region maintains standard cathode functionality. This segmentation approach achieves electric field penetration without compromising the overall cathode structure integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a vertical stacking approach (where touch control layers are placed above or below the entire cathode) to a lateral differentiation approach within the cathode plane. By creating different functional regions within the same layer, the patent achieves electric field penetration without adding structural complexity in the vertical dimension.
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 design allows for effective touch control functionality by enabling electric field lines to pass through the cathode layer, allowing all or portions of the touch control layers to be placed beneath the cathode, thus overcoming the limitations of the on-cell method.
Implementation Method 1
a cathode layer disposed over the substrate, wherein the cathode layer is formed with a first gap therein; and a touch control layer, wherein the touch control layer is not disposed at a side of the cathode layer away from the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A display panel and a display device are provided. The display panel includes a substrate, a cathode layer, a touch control layer, and a pixel definition layer. The cathode layer is disposed over the substrate, and the cathode layer is formed with a first gap therein. The touch control layer is not disposed at a side of the cathode layer away from a substrate, and the touch control layer is provided with a plurality of touch control components, and adjacent touch control components in the touch control layer are formed with a second gap therebetween. A supporting wall is disposed over the pixel definition layer, and a height of the supporting wall is greater than a height of the cathode layer, thereby forming the first gap in the cathode layer. The touch control components function as a touch control unit.