OLED Pixel Structure with Triangular Sub-Pixel Arrangement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current OLED display technologies face challenges in improving pixel density, increasing production yield, and reducing production costs due to limitations in mask opening size and stability, leading to lower resolution and shorter display life.
Innovation Solution
A pixel structure is introduced where each pixel is composed of four adjacent sub-pixels of the same color, arranged in a triangular shape, allowing them to share a single mask opening during evaporation, which increases the mask opening area and reduces production difficulties, enhancing the strength and longevity of the mask.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional slit or slot mask openings are used for high PPI OLED displays, then pixel density can be increased, but the metal stripe becomes thinner and more prone to deformation under magnetic induction, causing color mixing and lower production yield
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mask opening into multiple independent sub-openings corresponding to different sub-pixels (R, G, B) instead of using a single continuous slit or slot. This segmentation allows each sub-opening to be optimized independently, preventing color mixing while maintaining high pixel density. The metal stripe structure is also segmented into multiple independent stripes, each supporting its corresponding sub-opening, which enhances overall mask stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different opening shapes and sizes to different regions of the mask based on the specific requirements of each sub-pixel type. The mask opening for the blue sub-pixel has different dimensions compared to red and green sub-pixel openings, optimizing the evaporation process for each color while maintaining adequate metal stripe thickness for structural stability.
2Measurement precision
If the metal mask opening is made finer to increase PPI, then pixel density improves, but the metal stripe becomes thinner and more easily damaged during use, cleaning, and storage, reducing recycling rate and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the mask opening into multiple smaller independent openings rather than one fine continuous slit, the patent maintains adequate metal between openings to support structural strength. This allows the mask to achieve high pixel density through multiple fine openings while the metal stripes retain sufficient thickness to resist damage during handling, cleaning, and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sub-pixel openings and their corresponding metal stripes into an integrated mask structure that functions as a unified whole. This merging approach allows the mask to achieve high precision through multiple fine openings while the combined structure provides overall structural reinforcement, improving durability and recyclability.
3Ease of manufacture
If slit-type opening is used for low PPI displays, then metal mask production and use is easier, but spacing between adjacent openings must be larger, making the metal stripe wider and reducing pixel density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mask opening into multiple independent sub-openings for different sub-pixels, allowing tighter spacing between adjacent openings compared to a single continuous slit. This segmentation enables higher pixel density while maintaining simple manufacturing processes, as each sub-opening can be independently defined by the metal stripe pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional continuous slit to a two-dimensional array of discrete sub-openings arranged in multiple rows and columns. This dimensional change allows for more efficient use of space, enabling higher pixel density while maintaining adequate metal stripe dimensions for ease of manufacture and structural integrity.
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 higher pixel density, improved resolution, increased mask stability, and reduced production costs, resulting in higher yield and longer display life.
Implementation Method 1
OLED uses a very thin layer of organic material and a glass substrate, and when a current is passed, the organic material will emit light
Implementation Method 2
The organic light emitting device is formed on a corresponding pixel position on array substrate through fine metal mask (FMM) by evaporation coating film technology
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 1B~2
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Provided are a pixel structure and an organic light-emitting display using same. The pixel structure comprises multiple pixels, each pixel comprises multiple sub-pixels, at least one pixel forms a pixel unit, pixel units that are longitudinally adjacent are arranged in a vertical mirror manner, and/or pixel units that are horizontally adjacent are arranged in a horizontal mirror manner. Through a reasoned structure of pixel arrangement and by deposition of sub-pixels of adjacent pixels through a shared mask aperture, the area of mask apertures can be increased during deposition, the difficulty of manufacture with the mask technique is reduced and the difficulty of the deposition process is also reduced. No gap needs to be reserved when the sub-pixels of the adjacent pixels of the mask are deposited, and genuinely high PPI can be achieved while maintaining a high aperture ratio. In addition, mask strength is increased, thus preventing deformation during use, improving product yield, increasing service life and reducing costs.