OLED Cathode Structure with Variable Metal Film Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OLED display panels have low transmittance cathode structures and cannot implement display functions in areas occupied by cameras, resulting in a lower screen-to-body ratio.
Innovation Solution
The OLED display panel features a cathode structure with a first and second metal film layer, where the second layer is subjected to thinning treatment and a conductive film layer is added, allowing for varying light transmittance and conductivity across different regions, enabling under-screen camera technology and increased screen-to-body ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the alloy metal film layer thickness is reduced to increase light transmittance, then light transmittance is improved, but electrical conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different metal film layer thicknesses in different regions: the first active area has a thicker metal film layer (200-500 nm) for good conductivity, while the second active area has a thinner metal film layer (50-200 nm) for high light transmittance. This spatial differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cathode structure is segmented into multiple regions with different thickness characteristics. The metal film layer is divided into a first portion over the first active area and a second portion over the second active area, with different thicknesses. This segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of conductivity and transmittance in different zones.
2Reliability
If the alloy metal film layer thickness is increased to improve light guiding property, then light guiding property is improved, but light transmittance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions are assigned different thickness qualities: the first active area receives thicker film (200-500 nm) for light guiding, while the second active area receives thinner film (50-200 nm) for light transmittance. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between light guiding and transmittance requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a uniform metal film layer is used across the entire display area, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but display function cannot be implemented in camera areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the metal film layer thickness across different regions to accommodate different functional requirements: the first active area uses thicker film for standard display, while the second active area uses thinner film to enable under-screen camera functionality, achieving both manufacturing feasibility and functional adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The display area is segmented into a first active area and a second active area with different metal film layer characteristics. This segmentation enables the second active area to support camera functions while maintaining standard display functionality in the first active area, resolving the contradiction between uniform manufacturing and functional versatility.
4Ease of manufacture
If front cameras are fixed at the notch structure, then camera function is achieved, but active area and screen-to-body ratio are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by integrating the camera function within the display area itself. The second active area with thinner metal film layer serves as an under-screen camera region, allowing the camera to be nested within the display rather than occupying a separate notch area. This enables full-screen display while accommodating camera functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display panel and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The OLED display panel includes an array substrate and a cathode structure. The cathode structure includes a metal film layer. The metal film layer includes a first metal film layer and a second metal film layer. The first metal film layer is positioned within the first active area and the second metal film layer is positioned within the second active area. Different regions of the metal film layer in the cathode structure are adjusted to different thicknesses, so that different regions have different light transmittances, which is beneficial to increase screen-to-body ratio.