OLED Conducting Cover for Uniform Light Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Achieving uniform light emission across large areas in OLED lighting panels is challenging due to variations in electrical potential caused by insufficient electrical conductivity of electrodes, leading to non-uniformity in both intensity and color spectrum.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an electrically conductive cover that overlays the electrode and an electrically conductive material connecting the cover to the electrode, enhancing the overall electrical conductivity and uniformity of light emission without significantly reducing the emitting area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the electrode area is increased to cover large emitting surfaces, then the emitting area is improved, but the electrical conductivity becomes insufficient leading to non-uniform light emission
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into two functional parts: a standard electrode layer and an additional conductive cover layer. This segmentation allows the device to maintain large emitting area while introducing a separate component (the cover) that specifically addresses the conductivity uniformity issue through its highly conductive material composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system uses composite construction by combining the original electrode material with a conductive cover made of highly conductive material (such as metal mesh or conductive polymer). This composite structure leverages the advantages of both materials: the original electrode's transparency and the cover's high conductivity, achieving uniform electrical potential across large areas.
2Reliability
If the electrical conductivity of the electrode is increased to achieve uniform light emission, then the light emission uniformity is improved, but the emitting area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solution adds a dimensional layer (the conductive cover) on top of the existing electrode structure. This vertical addition rather than horizontal expansion allows improving conductivity without sacrificing the horizontal emitting area, as the cover overlays the electrode without reducing its active emission surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive cover serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enhances electrical conductivity across the electrode, provides structural support, and maintains transparency to allow light emission. This multi-functionality enables achieving uniform light emission without compromising emitting area.
3Reliability
If the driving current is increased to improve brightness and uniformity, then the light emission uniformity is improved, but the operational lifetime is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the electrical parameter (conductivity) of the electrode system by introducing the conductive cover, rather than changing the operational parameter (driving current). This parameter substitution allows achieving uniform light emission through improved conductivity distribution, enabling operation at lower currents that extend device lifetime.
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
The solution results in higher uniformity and brightness of light emission at lower driving currents, with lower overall resistance and extended operational lifetime of the OLED, while maintaining a maximized effective emitting area.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically conductive material provides an electrically conductive path connecting the electrically conductive cover and the electrode
Implementation Method 2
OLEDs make use of thin organic films that emit light when voltage is applied across the device
Data Source
AI summary
The claimed invention was made by, on behalf of, and/or in connection with one or more of the following parties to a joint university corporation research agreement: Princeton University, The University of Southern California, The University of Michigan and Universal Display Corporation. The agreement was in effect on and before the date the claimed invention was made, and the claimed invention was made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of the agreement.