OLED Pixel Definition Layer Incline for Light Transmittance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current OLED display technologies face challenges in achieving optimal power consumption, efficiency, and color accuracy due to the thickness and transmittance requirements of the cathode, which can lead to reduced luminescence efficiency and increased risk of electrode discontinuity.

Innovation Solution

A substrate for organic light-emitting devices is designed with a pixel definition layer that creates sloped pixel regions with intersecting boundaries, allowing for a thin, efficiently overlapping cathode that improves light transmittance and luminescence efficiency, while maintaining electrical connectivity between adjacent cathodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If the cathode is made thinner to increase light transmittance, then light transmittance is improved, but the risk of electrode discontinuity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmittanceVSAvoidelectrode continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a conventional planar cathode structure to a three-dimensional sloped cathode structure. The cathode is formed with a slope angle of 5-25 degrees relative to the substrate, creating an inclined surface that extends from the pixel center toward the pixel definition layer. This dimensional change allows the cathode to maintain adequate thickness for electrical continuity while reducing the effective thickness in the light emission path, thereby increasing light transmittance without compromising electrode reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Use of energy by moving object

If the cathode thickness is reduced to improve luminescence efficiency, then luminescence efficiency is improved, but the color cast control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluminescence efficiencyVSAvoidcolor cast control
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by creating a non-uniform cathode structure with varying thickness across the pixel region. The cathode has a slope angle of 5-25 degrees, being thicker at the edges near the pixel definition layer and thinner at the center toward the pixel opening. This gradient structure allows different regions of the cathode to serve different functions: the thinner central region improves luminescence efficiency and light transmittance, while the thicker edge regions maintain electrical continuity and facilitate precise color cast control through optimized material deposition in different zones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If the pixel definition layer creates steep slopes for thin cathode overlap, then light transmittance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight transmittanceVSAvoidpixel definition layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the slope angle parameter of the pixel definition layer to fall within the range of 5-25 degrees. This parameter change balances multiple requirements: angles less than 5 degrees would result in insufficient cathode thinning and reduced light transmittance, while angles greater than 25 degrees would create excessively steep slopes that are difficult to manufacture and may compromise cathode continuity. The selected parameter range enables effective light transmittance improvement while maintaining manufacturability through standard deposition and etching processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10665793B2Pixel definition layer having an incline for an organic light emitting device
Publication Date: 2020.05.26 BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO LTD
  • US10665793B2 patent drawing
  • US10665793B2 patent drawing
  • US10665793B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A substrate for an organic light-emitting device, a method for manufacturing the substrate for an organic light-emitting device, and a display device are provided. The substrate for an organic light-emitting device includes a base substrate, a pixel definition layer on the base substrate, and an organic light-emitting device in each of the pixel regions. The pixel definition layer defines a plurality of pixel regions, each of the pixel regions has a top opening and a lower opening along a thickness direction of the base substrate, the lower opening is in the top opening so that each of the pixel regions has a slope extending from the top opening to the lower opening, and boundaries of the top openings adjacent to each other are intersected with each other.