OLED Connection Electrode Undercutting Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the manufacturing process of organic light emitting diode (OLED) display devices, the etchant used in forming the anode electrode can cause undercutting of connection electrodes, leading to exposure and corrosion, which hinders accurate lighting inspection.
Innovation Solution
The display device design includes forming the connection electrodes concurrently with the sensing electrodes, ensuring they are formed after the lower electrode, and covered by insulating layers to prevent undercutting and exposure, allowing for accurate lighting inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the connection electrode is formed before the anode electrode, then the connection electrode can be etched by the etchant during anode electrode formation, but this causes undercutting and exposure of the connection electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the connection electrode after the anode electrode is already formed. This sequence ensures that when the etchant is applied during anode electrode formation, the connection electrode is not yet present to be etched, thereby preventing undercutting and exposure while still allowing integration of the formation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the electrode formation processes into distinct stages: first forming the anode electrode with its required etching, then subsequently forming the connection electrode. This segmentation separates the etching-sensitive connection electrode from the etching process, preventing damage while maintaining manufacturing integration
2Reliability
If the connection electrode is exposed to prevent undercutting, then the connection electrode can be protected from etching, but this causes corrosion when exposed to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses insulating layers as protective thin films that completely cover the connection electrode. These insulating layers act as barriers that prevent both the etchant from reaching the connection electrode during manufacturing and external corrosive agents from attacking the electrode during operation, thus protecting the connection electrode without exposing it
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating layer serves as an intermediary barrier between the connection electrode and both the etchant during manufacturing and external corrosive environments during operation. This intermediary layer protects the connection electrode from harmful factors while allowing the electrode to maintain its functional integrity
3Reliability
If the insulating layer is formed on the connection electrode, then the connection electrode is protected from etching, but the undercut causes the insulating layer to be cut and the connection electrode to be exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the connection electrode after the anode electrode etching process is complete. This ensures that when the insulating layer is subsequently formed over the connection electrode, there is no undercut to cause cutting of the insulating layer, as the connection electrode has not been exposed to the etching process in the first place
Data Source
AI summary
A display device includes a substrate, a pixel structure, a lighting circuit part, a driving integrated circuit part, a first lighting wire, a second lighting wire, and a connection electrode. The substrate includes a display area and a pad area. The pixel structure is on the substrate in the display area to emit light. The lighting circuit part is on the substrate in the pad area, and is electrically coupled to the pixel structure. The first lighting wire is spaced apart from a first side of the driving integrated circuit part in a first direction, and is coupled to the lighting circuit part. The second lighting wire is spaced apart from a second side facing the first side of the driving integrated circuit part in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The connection electrode electrically couples the first lighting wire and the second lighting wire to each other.