OLED Pixel Structure Using Patterned Metal Oxide Anode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ink-jet printing technologies for OLED display panels face challenges in achieving high-definition manufacturing due to limited precision and non-uniform film thickness caused by differences in hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity between dielectric layers and functional material ink, leading to complex processes and suboptimal product quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the formation of an anode layer using metal oxide semi-conductive materials, patterned with conductive and semi-conductive areas, and a pixel defining layer with through-holes, allowing for ink-jet printing of an organic functional layer without the need for a dielectric layer, enhancing film uniformity and simplifying the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dielectric layer is introduced to separate adjacent sub-pixel anodes, then electrical insulation is achieved, but process complexity increases and film thickness uniformity deteriorates due to hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the dielectric layer from the structure entirely. Instead of adding a separate insulating layer between adjacent sub-pixel anodes, the design relies on the pixel defining layer and the geometric arrangement of the anodes themselves to provide electrical insulation. This extraction of the dielectric layer simplifies the manufacturing process and eliminates the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity issues that cause non-uniform film thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pixel defining layer with the insulating function. The pixel defining layer, which is already necessary for defining the inkjet printing area, also serves as the electrical insulator between adjacent sub-pixels. This merging of functions reduces the total number of layers and process steps while maintaining both the insulation requirement and the printing definition requirement.
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of pixel units is increased to improve display definition, then display resolution is improved, but the area available for ink-jet operation within each pixel unit decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement from a conventional side-by-side sub-pixel layout to a stacked configuration where multiple sub-pixels are arranged vertically. This dimensional reorganization allows the inkjet printer to operate on a larger effective area while maintaining high pixel density, as the inkjet nozzles can access the organic functional layer material through the pixel defining layer openings without being constrained by horizontal space limitations.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional ink-jet printing is used with dielectric layers, then material deposition is achieved, but film thickness uniformity deteriorates due to hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity differences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a homogeneous surface by removing the dielectric layer that causes hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity variations. The pixel defining layer provides a uniform surface property across the entire printing area, ensuring that the organic functional layer material deposits evenly with consistent thickness. This homogeneity of surface properties eliminates the capillary action differences that previously caused thickness non-uniformity at the boundaries of dielectric regions.
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
This approach enables the production of high-definition OLED display panels with uniform film thickness and improved product quality, as the semi-conductive areas act as dielectric layers, simplifying the manufacturing process and enhancing precision within existing ink-jet printer capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
functional material ink is instilled into the ink-jet area defined by the pixel range defining structure 4 by means of a plurality of nozzles of an ink-jet printer
Implementation Method 2
hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of the dielectric layer 3 to the functional material ink are different from those of the pixel range defining structure 4 to the functional material ink
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a pixel structure based on ink-jet printing technology and a method for manufacturing the same. In the pixel structure and in the method for manufacturing the same, a metal oxide semi-conductive material is used for forming an anode layer. The anode layer is divided into conductive areas and semi-conductive areas by conductive treatment. The semi-conductive areas play a same role as a dielectric layer in the prior art. The method for manufacturing the pixel structure is simple because formation of the dielectric layer is not needed. An organic functional layer formed by ink-jet has a uniform film thickness, which effectively improves quality of a product.