OLED Cathode Unit Layout for In-Cell Touch Integration

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing in-cell touch technology for OLED display devices results in a complex structure and increased manufacturing costs due to the addition of a thin film layer and process flow.

Innovation Solution

A display panel design that incorporates a cathode layer divided into multiple cathode units, each comprising a first electrode and a second electrode insulated from each other, where the second electrode is positioned at the periphery of the first electrode, allowing the cathode layer to function as both a light-emitting and touch electrode without additional film layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a thin film layer and process flow are added to achieve in-cell touch technology, then touch functionality is improved, but structure complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cathode layer of the OLED display with the touch electrode structure by dividing the cathode into multiple cathode units with first and second electrodes. This merging eliminates the need for separate thin film layers for touch functionality, thereby reducing structure complexity while maintaining touch capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cathode layer is designed to serve dual functions: as the cathode for light emission and as the touch electrode for sensing input. By making the cathode units insulate from each other and positioning second electrodes at peripheries, the same structural element performs both display and touch functions, avoiding additional complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a thin film layer and process flow are added to achieve in-cell touch technology, then touch functionality is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetouch functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cathode layer of the OLED display with the touch electrode structure by dividing the cathode into multiple cathode units with first and second electrodes. This merging eliminates the need for separate thin film layers for touch functionality, thereby reducing structure complexity while maintaining touch capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cathode layer is designed to serve dual functions: as the cathode for light emission and as the touch electrode for sensing input. By making the cathode units insulate from each other and positioning second electrodes at peripheries, the same structural element performs both display and touch functions, avoiding additional complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12490623B2Display panel and display device including a cathode layer having a plurality of cathode units

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 WUHAN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS SEMICONDUCTOR DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is a display panel, which comprises an anode layer, a light-emitting functional layer, and a cathode layer, wherein the light-emitting functional layer is disposed on the anode layer and the cathode layer is disposed on the light-emitting functional layer and comprises a plurality of cathode units. Each of the cathode units comprises a first electrode and a second electrode that are insulated from each other, wherein the second electrode is disposed at a periphery of the first electrode.